Signify Health launching at-home arrhythmia testing

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Signify Health, a subsidiary of CVS Health, will add a heart arrhythmia test to its Diagnostic and Preventive Services offering. The move is intended to broaden Signify's range of in-home services designed to support earlier detection, diagnosis and management of various medical conditions.

The prevalence of heart arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeat, is expected to grow because of the aging U.S. population. Atrial Fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia, with an estimated one-third of adults being asymptomatic and between 1.26 and 1.52 million cases being undiagnosed, a pair of studies show. 

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, said Signify.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

Members at risk for heart arrhythmias who are eligible will be identified for screening. From there, Signify's 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.

Signify said its goal was to expand access and connect members to high-value healthcare services.

THE LARGER TREND

CVS Health completed its $8 billion acquisition of Signify Health last year. Signify leverages advanced analytics, technology and nationwide healthcare provider networks for value-based payment programs. Its healthcare platform shifts services towards the home, an ongoing trend as baby boomers retire. People 65 and older account for close to 17% of the population, according to the U.S. Census.

In 2022, Signify expanded its at-home diagnostics segment for Medicare and Medicaid members. It now has diagnostics for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peripheral arterial disease, colorectal cancer, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and low bone density (osteopenia and osteoporosis).

In March 2022, Signify completed the acquisition of Caravan Health, a population health management company involved in enabling accountable care organizations to manage risk and coordinate care. 

In December 2022, Signify expanded its collaboration with Ardent Health Services, which has more than 200 sites of care operating across six states. Ardent manages risk and provides coordinated care for Medicare beneficiaries, which aligns with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' objective of rolling all Medicare beneficiaries into an accountable relationship over the coming decade.

ON THE RECORD

"Early detection of heart arrhythmias is critical to enabling treatment that can decrease the likelihood of a complication, like heart failure or stroke," said Dr. Heidi Schwarzwald, chief medical officer, Signify Health Home and Community Services. "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."
 

Jeff Lagasse is editor of Healthcare Finance News.
Email: jlagasse@himss.org
Healthcare Finance News is a HIMSS Media publication.