Many High Tech Health Interventions Unnecessary and Wasted
Posted By Dr. Mercola | January 31 2011 | 292 views
In recent years, over 20 percent of patients who received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD, a device that regulates heartbeats) were not actually good candidates for the device.
Researchers looked at more than 111,000 patients who received ICD implants. More than 25,000 did not meet evidence-based criteria for receiving the device -- and the risk of dying in the hospital is significantly higher for patients who receive an ICD but do not meet the criteria.
According to CNN:
"... ICDs often are recommended as a primary prevention tactic for patients who are at high risk for a cardiac arrest or life-threatening arrhythmia, but who have not yet suffered from these symptoms. However, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) ... has issued a 'decision memo' stating that only people having certain serious heart conditions or cardiac histories are suitable candidates for ICDs."
Researchers looked at more than 111,000 patients who received ICD implants. More than 25,000 did not meet evidence-based criteria for receiving the device -- and the risk of dying in the hospital is significantly higher for patients who receive an ICD but do not meet the criteria.
According to CNN:
"... ICDs often are recommended as a primary prevention tactic for patients who are at high risk for a cardiac arrest or life-threatening arrhythmia, but who have not yet suffered from these symptoms. However, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) ... has issued a 'decision memo' stating that only people having certain serious heart conditions or cardiac histories are suitable candidates for ICDs."
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