LifeWatch specializes in innovative cardiac monitoring equipment for patients nationwide.

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Since its inception in 1986, LifeWatch Corp. has made life easier for cardiac patients by providing sophisticated monitoring equipment that can detect potentially significant cardiac events from any location. Patients wear LifeWatch monitors for up to 30 days – the devices can capture and transmit any irregular heart rhythms to one of LifeWatch’s three clinically validated patient monitoring centers for analysis.    

The data is analyzed by LifeWatch clinicians, who prepare diagnostic reports that are sent directly to the patient’s physician.   

In 2007, LifeWatch launched a revolutionary auto-detect and auto-send cardiac monitoring system, the LifeStar Ambulatory Cardiac Telemetry (ACT).    

Developed by its parent company, Switzerland-based Card Guard AG, a leader in wireless healthcare technology, the LifeStar ACT wireless system utilizes cell phone technology and advanced algorithms to provide a seamless cardiac monitoring solution. Portable and easy to use, LifeStar ACT is worn on a patient while they go about their every day life.    

If a heart rhythm irregularity occurs, Director of Marketing Mardi Raff says, the system automatically detects and immediately transmits the ECG data via the integrated cell phone to LifeWatch for immediate analysis.    

The LifeStar ACT system was responsible for accelerated growth at LifeWatch in 2008, and is rapidly becoming the system of choice for the top heart institutions in the United States.    

“We recently launched the next-generation LifeStar™ ACT III Platinum monitor – this high-performance wireless system features three-channel ECG and ST deviation analysis to measures ischemic changes,” Raff explains.    

“Able to deliver more sensitive and specific data, this wireless solution is expected to break into new niche areas of remote patient monitoring in 2009.”   

The auto-detect and auto-send features are very important for patients. “Often times, patients feel faint, or do not feel a symptom at all, therefore cannot make or transmit a recording,” Raff explains.    

“The LifeStar ACT device automatically detects, records and immediately transmits the ECG data to LifeWatch clinicians, thereby providing a more accurate and faster diagnosis. LifeStar ACT can ultimately save lives.” The company’s first product, a cardiac wrist recorder, was worn by patients with suspected cardiac arrhythmias. A patient would press a button on a wristband at the onset of symptoms, and record an ECG strip, then telephone LifeWatch and press another button for transmitting the data for analysis.       

Although this product was ground-breaking for its time, LifeWatch continued to improve and build upon its technologies, and continually introduced more sophisticated patient monitors to market.     

With the growing acceptance of the LifeStar ACT service, LifeWatch is expanding aggressively, and currently employs more than 100 account managers across the country who educate physicians on the benefits of the ACT service for their patients.    

The system is so easy to use it can be hooked up at home by the patient with remote support from the patient care coordinator. Patients require little training to use the product, Raff notes. “The portable device can either be worn on the chest or on a belt around the waist,” she says.

A Center of Excellence
LifeWatch operates three monitoring centers in Rosemont, Ill., Boca Raton, Fla., and Philadelphia, Pa. “We are Joint Commission-accredited, and have standard operating procedures for every process in the company, from speaking with patients, to notifying physicians,” Raff explains.    

LifeWatch says it handled more than 4.8 million patient interactions in 2008, and expects these numbers to grow significantly in 2009.

A Reliable Provider
In a tough economy, LifeWatch is one of the few companies not facing layoffs, Raff notes. The company is always searching for potential employees to help grow its services as demand for its products increases. “We are always looking for talented team players that can contribute to our commitment to excellence,” the company explains.“We offer excellent compensation and comprehensive benefits, including ongoing educational assistance.”

LifeWatch employs a staff of professionals including RNs and certified ECPG technicians, as well. Members of the clinical staff are trained to assist both patients and physicians via telephone, the company adds. In addition, after each ECG analysis is made, the report is reviewed by a senior clinical editor from the LifeWatch report review board to check for accuracy, clarity and completeness. “This ensures that each report is reviewed by at least two LifeWatch experts before it is sent out for diagnosis,” the company asserts.

A Growing Demand
LifeWatch says it is continually looking to expand its product and service platform. “We can manage patients with specific disease conditions, who require monitoring and clinical guidance on a more frequent basis,” Raff explains. “LifeWatch introduced two patient care programs for Atrial Fibrillation and Syncope in 2008, and we are planning additional monitoring programs for other chronic disease conditions,” she continues.