Temporary Nontherapeutic Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring Devices

Temporary nontherapeutic ambulatory cardiac monitoring (up to 30 days) is covered when using FDA-cleared, patient- or event-activated devices monitored by a 24-hour station for indications such as infrequent symptomatic arrhythmia (symptoms >24 hours apart), medication management, post-ablation surveillance, detection of atrial fibrillation after cryptogenic stroke/TIA, and assessment of ventricular ectopy in high‑risk cardiomyopathies. Coverage excludes inpatient or facility-based monitoring, routine screening or redundant testing when prior ECGs suffice, patient-incapacity to operate patient-activated devices, shared recorder use, and tests beyond 30 days except with documented physician justification; claims must align with NCD 20.15 and include physician orders and documentation of clinical indication and monitoring station capabilities.

"Temporary (non-implanted) ambulatory cardiac monitoring is reasonable and necessary for patients with infrequent (symptoms >24 hours apart) symptoms suggestive of cardiac arrhythmia such as palpita..."