NCD20.27 CARDIOINTEGRAM (CIG) AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO STRESS TEST

OR THALLIUM STRESS TEST

 

 

Effective Date of this Version

 

• This is a longstanding national coverage determination. The effective date of this version has not been posted.

 

 

Benefit Category

 

• Diagnostic Tests (other).

• Note: This may not be an exhaustive list of all applicable Medicare benefit categories for this item or service.

 

 

Item/Service Description

 

• A cardiointegram device consists of a microcomputer which receives output from a standard electrocardiogram (EKG) and transforms it to produce a graphic representation of heart electrophysiologic signals.

• This procedure is used primarily as a substitute for Exercise Tolerance Testing with Thallium Imaging in patients for whom a resting EKG may be inadequate to identify changes compatible with coronary artery disease.

 

 

Indications and Limitations of Coverage

 

• Because this device is still considered investigational pending additional data on its clinical efficacy/sensitivity and value as a diagnostic tool, program payment may not be made for its use at this time.