Understanding Cardiac Remote Monitoring: How Your Device Helps Keep You Safe

For nearly twenty years, technology has allowed doctors to monitor implanted cardiac devices remotely.

Your cardiac device monitors your heart rhythm daily, reporting irregularities to your doctor. Now, your physicians are supported by PaceMate®—the leading digital healthcare company helping clinicians nationwide by providing cardiac remote monitoring.

Together, we never miss a beat.®

Under your doctor’s guidance, PaceMate supports the day-to-day management of valuable data collected by your device—helping your doctor stay aware of your device status so that together you can make informed decisions about your care. PaceMate partners with your doctors and clinic staff to ensure they can manage every alert transmitted from your device, giving you better care and peace of mind, wherever you are.

Whether you're a long-time member of the cardiac device community or a newcomer, there's always more to discover about how your device communicates with your home monitor.

How Does My Wireless Monitor Work?

Manufacturers of implanted cardiac devices now offer automatic monitoring through radiofrequency transmitters or Bluetooth technology embedded in the cardiac device. These devices are referred to as “wireless” devices, and they can connect with your paired home monitor, typically at night while you are sleeping.

During the nightly automatic connection, your implanted cardiac device sends any device-related or heart rhythm-related alerts wirelessly to your cardiologist. This can include information about your device’s battery status, prolonged abnormal heart rhythms, and device or lead malfunction. If your doctor’s office has scheduled a full remote check-up, this occurs during the nightly automatic connection.

Most wireless devices are programmed to send information once a day during overnight hours. Your doctor will see a report in three instances:

• If there is an alert
• If there is a scheduled transmission
• If you manually send it from the monitor

Additionally, you should always contact your doctor’s office if you manually transmit outside your scheduled dates.

How Does My Non-Wireless Monitor Work?

Non-wireless implanted cardiac devices require patients to initiate transmissions—the home monitor cannot send your cardiac device’s information without your assistance. Since your home monitor cannot send your information automatically, you must send your device transmission on a set schedule. As you follow the transmission schedule, the remote monitoring equipment will send information to your doctor’s office.

Most non-wireless device patients should send a remote transmission to their doctor every 91 days. Some patients may be instructed to send more frequently to monitor for certain devices or health conditions. If you send an extra remote transmission outside of your routine schedule, it is important to call your doctor’s office and let them know why.

If your doctor’s office works with PaceMate as its remote monitoring partner, PaceMate will help manage your routine monitoring schedule. You will receive a call from PaceMate on the day you are scheduled to send a transmission.

Understanding Your Device

You may have a wireless or non-wireless cardiac monitoring device implanted. To learn whether your device is wireless or non-wireless, or how to pair, connect, and troubleshoot your wireless monitor, visit our PaceMate Patient Portal to find your specific remote monitoring equipment user guide and manufacturer manual.

Staying Connected

It is important to the PaceMate communications team to provide a seamless cardiac remote monitoring experience for you. The following tips will help your doctor, clinic, and PaceMate monitor your heart.

• Always keep your home monitor plugged in at your bedside or as directed by the manufacturer.
• Discuss home monitoring with your device clinic so you know how to respond in an emergency or if you receive shocks.
• Keep your doctor and PaceMate informed of updated contact information or extended travel plans.
• Remember, your home monitor does not send information “in real-time” or as events occur, and it does not take the place of routine visits with your doctor. Remote monitoring also does not take the place of seeking emergency medical care, if you are experiencing a medical emergency call "911" or go to your nearest emergency department.

PaceMate Patient Support*

If your doctor has prescribed remote monitoring for you or your family member, PaceMate is here to help you stay engaged with your cardiac device care team.

Our highly trained and compassionate team of dedicated patient communication specialists can assist you with monitor pairing, education, and notifications. The PaceMate phone number is 66-PACEMATE or 667-223-6283. Option 1 connects you with a PaceMate team member.

Any questions regarding your home monitor equipment can be addressed by calling this number. For monitor assistance, call PaceMate Patient Services, open Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 7 PM EST.

If your doctor or device clinic uses PaceMate services, expect calls from us for transmitter issues. Save our number in your phone to make sure you don’t miss PaceMate calls.

*If you need emergency medical care, you should always dial 911.

*For questions about results, billing, or clinical care, please call your doctor’s office directly.