MCT Indications of Use

Indications for Using Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT) Monitoring

The indications for using Mobile Cardiac Telemetry are similar to those of traditional Cardiac Event Monitoring, although they differ slightly due to the technology involved. Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT) Monitoring provides real-time ambulatory ECG information, offering expanded clinical utility.

Before ordering the study, it is important to carefully assess the appropriate indications for using Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT). While Medicare and Private Insurance companies cover this diagnostic test, the physician must ensure that the proper workup and indications are met before ordering the study.

The indications for using Mobile Cardiac Telemetry may include:

• Patients experiencing palpitations or undiscovered arrhythmias.
• Patients presenting symptoms associated with various cardiac abnormalities or arrhythmias, such as transient chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), or signs of dizziness (syncope).
• Patients requiring 24-hour monitoring for non-life-threatening arrhythmias, including Supraventricular Tachycardia (premature atrial contractions, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, premature ventricular contractions, and ventricular tachycardia).
• Patients showing evidence of bradycardia arrhythmias.
• Patients with bundle branch block or other transient non-life-threatening conduction disorders.
• Patients who have undergone cardiovascular surgery and/or myocardial infarction.
• Patients requiring prescription drug monitoring to control Atrial Fibrillation.
• Patients recovering from cardiac surgery who need outpatient arrhythmia monitoring.
• Patients diagnosed with sleep disorders (obstructive sleep apnea) to evaluate arrhythmia behavior.
• Patients needing arrhythmia evaluation to determine the etiology of stroke or transient cerebral ischemia, particularly those caused by atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.

**It is important to note that Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT) should not be used (contraindicated) for patients with life-threatening arrhythmias that require in-patient monitoring or hospitalization. We recommend referring to the Local Coverage Determination for Medicare and the guidelines of individual insurance providers for precise details.