Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is on the rise among U.S. seniors; Early detection in the home can help mitigate symptoms and more severe complications
DALLAS, Feb. 27, 2024 – Signify Health, a CVS Health® company (NYSE: CVS), today announced the addition of a heart arrhythmia test to its Diagnostic and Preventive Services offering. This screening broadens the Signify Health range of in-home services designed to support earlier detection, diagnosis and management of the most prevalent medical conditions impacting people’s health.
The prevalence of heart arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeat, is expected to grow because of the aging U.S. population. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is the most common arrhythmia, with an estimated one-third of adults being asymptomatic and 1.26-1.52M cases being undiagnosed. People with undiagnosed heart arrhythmias struggle with symptoms such as chest pain, rapid and irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and other high-risk diseases, such as stroke and diabetes. Traditional monitoring methods, like the Holter monitor, can incur unnecessary costs and potentially extra steps, such as multiple appointments and engagement with multiple providers.
“Early detection of heart arrhythmias is critical to enabling treatment that can decrease the likelihood of a complication, like heart failure or stroke. Traditional methods of arrhythmia testing are costly, time-consuming with multiple doctor visits, and are less than optimal for members, which is why Signify Health has launched a proactive approach to help facilitate a timely intervention and reduce the risk of other cardiovascular events,” said Heidi Schwarzwald, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer, Signify Health Home and Community Services.
Members at risk for heart arrhythmias who are eligible will be identified for screening. From there, Signify Health licensed clinicians will screen members for contraindications, and ask for consent to apply the ECG patch, which provides continuous capture of cardiac activity. After 14 days of wear, the patch is shared with a cardiologist for review to determine if the member has an arrhythmia. All findings are also shared with the member and their PCP.
Screenings for heart arrhythmias via the Continuous ECG patch can improve the member experience and drive quality outcomes. Studies have shown that 94% of people found the patch more comfortable to wear versus 52% for a Holter monitor – and that a 14-day ECG is two times as effective as a Holter monitor.
Through this new offering, Signify Health aims to expand access to care, striving to connect health plan members to high-value healthcare services to potentially enhance health outcomes.
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About Signify Health
Signify Health, a CVS Health Company, is a leading healthcare platform that leverages advanced analytics, technology, and nationwide healthcare provider networks to create and power value-based payment programs. Our mission is to build trusted relationships to make people healthier. Our solutions support value-based payment programs by aligning financial incentives around outcomes, providing tools to health plans and healthcare organizations designed to assess and manage risk and identify actionable opportunities for improved patient outcomes, coordination and cost-savings. Through our platform, we coordinate what we believe is a holistic suite of clinical, social, and behavioral services to address an individual's healthcare needs and prevent adverse events that drive excess cost, all while shifting services towards the home.