Appeal type: unknown
Decision: unknown

 
The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
The rules say that certain cardiac event monitors capture electrical activity with a single electrode attached to 
the skin. Other devices may employ multiple electrodes in order to record more complex EKG tracings. 
Additionally, devices may be individually programmed to detect patient-specific factors, electrode malfunction, 
or other factors. Cardiac event monitors can be further categorized as either pre-event or post-event 
recorders, based on their memory capabilities: 
 
        Pre-symptom Memory Loop Recorder (MLR) 
 
        Upon detecting symptoms, the wearer presses a button, which activates the recorder to save (i.e., 
memorize) an interval of pre-symptom EKG data along with data during and subsequent to the symptomatic 
event. Self-sensing recorders (also known as event-activated or automatic trigger) do not require patient input 
to capture these data. Single or multiple events may be recorded. The device is worn at all times, usually for up 
to 30 days. 
            Implantable (or Insertable Loop) Recorder (ILR) 
 
        Another type of pre-symptom MLR, it is implanted subcutaneously in a patients upper left chest and may 
remain implanted for many months. An ILR is used when syncope is thought to be cardiac-related but is too 
infrequent to be detected by either a HolterTM monitor or a traditional pre-symptom MLR. 
 
        Post-symptom Recorder 
 
        The patient temporarily places this device against the chest when symptoms occur and activates it by 
pressing a button. These recorders represent old technology, as they do not include a memory loop. The device 
transmits EKG data telephonically in real-time and is usually used for up to 30 days. 
 
Indications and Limitations of Coverage 
 
B. Nationally Covered Indications 
 
The following indications are covered nationally unless otherwise indicated: 
 
    Computer analysis of EKGs when furnished in a setting and under the circumstances required for coverage 
of other EKG services.     EKG services rendered by an IDTF, including physician review and interpretation. Separate physician 
services are not covered unless he/she is the patients attending or consulting physician. 
 
    Emergency EKGs (i.e., when the patient is or may be experiencing a life-threatening event) performed as a 
laboratory or diagnostic service by a portable x-ray supplier only when a physician is in attendance at the time 
the service is performed or immediately thereafter. 
 
    Home EKG services with documentation of medical necessity. 
 
    Transtelephonic EKG transmissions (effective March 1, 1980) as a diagnostic service for the indications 
described below, when performed with equipment meeting the standards described below, subject to the 
limitations and conditions specified below. Coverage is further limited to the amounts payable with respect to 
the physicians service in interpreting the results of such transmissions, including charges for rental of the 
equipment. The device used by the beneficiary is part of a total diagnostic system and is not considered DME 
separately. Covered uses are to: 
        Detect, characterize, and document symptomatic transient arrhythmias; 
        Initiate, revise, or discontinue arrhythmic drug therapy; or 
        Carry-out early post-hospital monitoring of patients discharged after myocardial infarction (MI); (only if 
24-hour coverage is provided, see C.5. below). 
 
Certain uses other than those specified above may be covered if, in the judgment of the local Medicare 
Administrative Contractor (MAC), such use is medically necessary. 
 
Additionally, the transmitting devices must meet at least the following criteria: 
 
    They must be capable of transmitting EKG Leads, I, II, or III; and, 
 
    The tracing must be sufficiently comparable to a conventional EKG. 
 
24-hour attended coverage used as early post-hospital monitoring of patients discharged after MI is only 
covered if provision is made for such 24-hour attended coverage in the manner described below: 
 
24-hour attended coverage means there must be, at a monitoring site or central data center, an EKG technician 
or other non-physician, receiving calls and/or EKG data; tape recording devices do not meet this requirement. 
Further, such technicians should have immediate, 24-hour access to a physician to review transmitted data and 
make clinical decisions regarding the patient. The technician should also be instructed as to when and how to 
contact available facilities to assist the patient in case of emergencies. You can find this information in 
Medicare's National Coverage Determination (NCD): Electrocardiographic Services (20.15). 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com.