Often, the only way to diagnose an arrhythmia is by recording an ECG at the time the problem or the symptom occurs. This is because most arrhythmias are intermittent and the ECG is often entirely normal except when the arrhythmia is active. For children who are known to have an arrhythmia, a transtelephonic monitor may also be useful. For these children, an ECG can be sent whenever there is concern that the child is in the arrhythmia. The monitor may also be used to assess the child's response to arrhythmia treatment.
Transtelephonic monitoring is relatively expensive.
Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your insurance company to see what coverage is provided for this service. Transtelephonic monitoring can be done by the Pediatric Cardiology Department or through an outside company called Cardiocare. We can arrange for either over the phone or at the time of a clinic visit. If Cardiocare is chosen, the ECG is sent to the company where it is read. If there is anything abnormal, a company representative notifies the Pediatric Cardiology Fellow on call immediately.