CHCF invests in iRhythm Technologies, developer of an outpatient cardiac monitor that has the potential to make diagnosing cardiac arrhythmias more efficient, cost-effective, and convenient. Abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, can be a symptom of serious cardiovascular disease. Each year, more than 2.7 million people in the United States experience arrhythmias, resulting in more than 800,000 hospitalizations. The ability to diagnose (or rule out) an arrhythmia as a symptom of cardiac disease is an important step in the treatment process. Today, the most commonly used technology for diagnosing arrhythmias is the Holter monitor, which has a low diagnostic yield — the likelihood of the test producing the information needed to establish a diagnosis — and poor patient compliance.

iRhythm has developed the Zio Patch, an FDA-approved, outpatient cardiac monitor and a comprehensive report for the physician. The Zio Patch is an easy-to-wear, single-use monitor designed to improve patient compliance while maximizing diagnostic yield (unlike Holter monitors, this device can be worn during showering and daily activities and remain on the patient for up to 14 days). The report offers the physician a comprehensive review of relevant findings during the monitoring period. The iRhythm solution has been used by physicians at over 400 medical facilities for more than 85,000 patients as of November 2012.

With the support of CHCF, iRhythm will begin work with two California safety-net hospital systems to evaluate levels of patient and provider satisfaction, cost effectiveness, and diagnostic efficacy associated with the Zio Patch.

CHCF has invested in iRhythm because the Zio Patch has the potential to improve access to advanced diagnostic technologies for thousands of Californians with low incomes or who live in rural areas. It also offers the promise of lower total cost of care through reductions in tests and visits a patient needs to receive a diagnosis, time to collect and analyze diagnostic data, and avoidable emergency department visits and hospital admissions.

To learn more, visit the iRhythm website.