The Pocket EKG Card is a clinical tool that displays a patient’s baseline electrocardiogram, a medical reference shown to enhance a physician’s diagnostic and treatment decisions in both emergency and on-going treatment situations while accruing cost savings to the health care system.

Clinical References:

Value of a baseline EKG

When a baseline EKG is available there is 54% Reduction in unnecessary hospitalization.
- (J Gen Intern Med 1990; 5: 381-388)

• $12 billion per year spent on unnecessary admission of patients with “chest pain”
  - (DRG handbook Washington DC. 1997)

• 79% of physicians found a baseline EKG facilitated a more rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment.
  - (Am J Med 1991; 91: 576-583)

• All adults over age 40 should have a baseline EKG and initial evaluation even if there is no apparent heart disease or dysfunction.
  - (J Am Coll Cardiol 1992; 19; 473-481, ACC/AHA Task Force Report)  The American Heart Association, The American College of Cardiology both recommend that all adults over the age of 40 have a baseline EKG.

Employer Relations

• The direct and indirect costs (e.g., lost workdays and productivity) associated with cardiovascular disease are estimated to be almost $300 billion per year.
  - (American Heart Association. 2001 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update. Dallas, Texas: AHA 2000)

• Cardiovascular disability is the leading cause of premature and permanent disability in the United States, accounting for 19% of all disability payments by the Social Security Administration.
  - (American Heart Association. 2001 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update. Dallas, Texas: AHA 2000)

Business Development for Hospitals, Health Systems, and Physicians

• 10% of all people by the age of 35 have abnormal EKG’s and that figure rises to 25% by the age of 60.
  - (J Am Coll Cardiol 1992; 19; 473-481 ACC/AHA Task Force Report)

• Mid-south and Northeastern providers of the same health system demonstrated a 333% return on investment with the Pocket EKG Program. The Pocket EKG Screening Program generated $1,684,643 in new revenue. There was $44.78 in new revenue generated for every $1 spent.
  - (2002 CPM White Paper; 16-17)

• 28 % of all patients screened (ages 50 – 70) have an abnormal EKG that warrants further study.
  - (Data on file at Cardiomark LLC)

• All STEMI patients should have ECG’s at hospital discharge to assess reperfusion and/or extent of infarction.
  - (Class 1 Recommendation ACC/AHA Practice Guidelines 2004)