DigiCardio Uses NEMon HE/LX (helix) to Provide Analysis for non-NEMon Recorders

When it comes to the big picture of Holter analysis, few may be better positioned to see it than Rob Edwards, the president of DigiCardio. Rob’s 17 years of experience in the cardiac monitoring field have left him with a deep understanding of how the market has changed in the nearly two decades he’s been involved in it — an understanding that has benefited DigiCardio’s professionals in their efforts to deliver their clients’ patients the highest standard of analysis and reporting.

Growing with NEMon

When Rob first entered the cardiac monitoring industry, it was a very different animal. While the basics have more or less remained unchanged over the years — providing equipment to referring physicians, and then analyzing the resultant data — everything else, from delivery to reimbursement and beyond, has shifted.

“DigiCardio began prior to the widespread adoption of Internet connectivity in medical offices,” Rob said. “Without the benefit of today’s data-movement technologies, we received ECG data and sent printed reports via FedEx.”

The inconvenience of slow data delivery is just one of the obstacles surmounted by Holter technology developers over the last 17 years. Rob also describes how in the past, when limited to use of a 24-hour Holter, reimbursement restrictions might force a patient to wait months for a retest when asymptomatic cardiac events didn’t occur during the test window.

And of course, the quality and depth of the data itself is getting better. Rob tells us that, “The LX platform has undergone regular improvement over the years; each version excels over its predecessor in providing us with better tools to extract more comprehensive and meaningful data.”

“Newer devices, such as NEMon’s DR300, will allow us to consolidate and advance testing modalities for the benefit of our clients and their patients,” Rob said. “Extended Holter recordings are critical to catching transient, asymptomatic arrhythmias that would have eluded us in years past.”

But while NEMon experts have plenty of new technologies to offer, their relationship with the DigiCardio team isn’t new at all. In fact, the DigiCardio folks were Holter-for-Windows users prior to its rewrite and rebranding as LX Analysis.

“DigiCardio played an important role in the early development and testing of the LX platform, and remains a strong NEMon supporter,” Rob said.

DigiCardio and NEMon today

The scope and precision of recorder data has always been a top priority for DigiCardio professionals, which is why they have remained dedicated users of NEMon products and technology for the last 17 years.

“When it comes time to determine the proper course of therapy,” Rob said, “what makes a Holter report valuable is the depth and accuracy of our analysis.”

The quality and usability of the data recorder is, of course, step one to accurate data. DigiCardio pros use both NEMon recorders and third party recorders, such as the Carnation Ambulatory Monitor. But regardless of the recorder used to gather the data, the DigiCardio team turns to NEMon HE/LX (helix) software for analysis.

“HE/LX makes possible what we do. Simply, we wouldn’t be where we are without NEMon,” Rob said. “The flexibility and adaptability of NEMon’s products and support have been critical to our lengthy tenure in Holter, and success as a premier provider of integrated, high-end analyses for 3rd party devices.”

What’s next?

As for what’s next in the Holter industry, Rob admits that his crystal ball has been “a bit foggy” recently.

“I think we’re in a state of flux,” he said. “Though traditional Holter seems likely to remain an option, the cardiac monitoring landscape continues to evolve with advances in connectivity, battery development, and circuit design. These changes will greatly improve diagnostic yield, while increasing patient compliance and convenience.”

The Carnation Ambulatory Monitor (CAM) from BardyDx is a great example of how new recorders are getting smaller and more convenient to wear and use.

“The combination of HE/LX and CAM has repeatedly shown itself to be far more valuable than many perceive a traditional Holter report to be,” Rob said. “The reports generated by our partnership with BardyDx have wowed some of the world’s most respected Electrophysiologists. While the data can be more challenging to analyze than a traditional Holter, given the single channel, CAM’s unique lead has proved itself to be extraordinary in the realm of P-wave analysis.”

Regardless of where Holter goes in the future, Rob expects to continue DigiCardio’s lucrative partnership with NEMon.

“We really enjoy working with NEMon,” Rob said. “Their platform is fast, reliable, and designed with the flexibility to adapt to our unique workflow.”

That flexibility, Rob believes, is what will keep NEMon products and software relevant as the Holter industry continues to grow and change.

[cta]Can your monitoring system keep up with the shifting cardiac monitoring industry? Contact the professionals at NEMon to learn more about the outstanding value our Holter products offer. Contact us by email at info@nemon.com, or call us at 978-461-3992 or toll-free at 866-346-5837 option 2 (U.S. and Canada).[/cta]