CardioComm ECG Monitor

CardioComm Solutions and TZ Medical inked a device integration and distribution deal that brings the pair into the the mobile cardiac telemetry (MCT) electrocardiographic (ECG) and arrhythmia management market. CardioComm will integrate TZM's Aera CT MCT monitor into its GEMS software to create a new offering called GEMS Aera CT. It will be an extension of CardioComm's GEMS Air, a global ECG management offering.

Other companies already offering mobile cardiac telemetry services include Corventis, CardioNet, and LifeWatch.

"Few companies have been able to address the need for a more beneficial mobile arrhythmia monitoring tool. The majority are large IDTFs that produce their own proprietary MCT device which are restricted for use within their own customer base," Etienne Grima, CEO of CardioComm Solutions stated. "TZM has engineered the first FDA cleared OEM MCT device which, with our GEMS software, will enable small and large IDTF and medical call centers to now enter the MCT market, a market which represents a significant revenue generating opportunity. The MCT market is USA specific where CMS approved reimbursement for this diagnostic test is particularly favorable at $754." More here.

In semi-related news: One former cardiologist turned consultant recently argued in a column that patients should be given access to the data captured from their implantable heart devices. MCT monitoring does not generally leverage an implantable device, but the argument seems to hold for both:

"Furnishing of this data will benefit patients," Dr. David Lee Scher wrote over at KevinMD.com. "Some patients will want to receive the entirety of the data, though they might not understand it all. However, most would do well with limited pertinent information which would serve them and their caregivers well. In either case, both population groups deserve it."