Remote Monitoring for Cardiac Devices

The pacemaker or defibrillator (called a cardiac device) has many features that help your doctor take care of your heart health. Your doctor has prescribed a transmitter that you can use from home, which will send information from your cardiac device to the clinic. The transmitter will send reports (called remote transmissions) to the Device Clinic. Below is an overview of your cardiac device, your transmitter, scheduling, and how you and your cardiac device team will work together.

Scheduling

The transmitter will create a summary report every 3 months and send it to us at the clinic. Your doctor will be able to see your heart rhythm and that the device is working. Generally, you will be seen in clinic once each year.

What the Cardiac Device Does

• It watches your heart rhythm all the time.

• It can treat slow heart rates (Pacemaker) or fast heart rates (Defibrillator).

• It stores information about your heart, to help your doctor treat you.

• It does self-checks every day to make sure it is working properly and safely.

• Some cardiac devices can let you know with a beep or a vibration if you need to call your clinic.
  

How the Transmitter at the Bedside Works (or on the phone app) if Connected

• Transmitters send information stored on your cardiac device.

• It connects with your cardiac device every night while you are asleep. If something is not normal with your device or your heart rhythm, it can send us a report. If everything is OK, it will not send a report.

• It sends a summary report every 3 months. Your doctor can see how your heart rhythm and the cardiac device are working.

• They do not watch your heart rhythm minute by minute.

• They do not take the place of 911. If you feel unwell, please call 911 or seek emergency care.

• If you have a non-emergency concern about your heart rhythm, you can contact your Device Clinic during regular business hours.
  

The Cardiac Device Clinic Team

• We review remote transmissions Mon-Fri during regular business hours (not on holidays) and send the reports to your doctor.

• We will contact you if something is not normal on your report.

• The results of your normal reports will be available on MyChart within 2 weeks.
  

Setting Up

• Set up the transmitter 8-10 feet of where you sleep.

• Keep it plugged in and connected. Check it often to make sure the power is on.

• If you have the app: keep the app open on your phone and keep your Bluetooth turned on.

• Keep the company’s helpline number available and call their support staff if you have any connection questions or issues.
  

Insurance and Co-Pays

Remote reports are the same as in-office reports and require the same type of review. Therefore, your insurance will be billed every quarter for the remote monitoring service. This one quarterly charge covers all the necessary summary and alert reports as well as the nightly checks during that 90-day period.

Who to Call

UW Health Device Clinic
(608) 263-1530