Sydney Remote Monitoring (SRM)


What happens after a cardiac device insertion, regarding follow up and device checks

Now that your device is implanted, you will require ongoing monitoring and follow-up of the device to ensure the device is working correctly. This includes periodic assessments of the device’s function (including the battery), retrieval of data from your device and any adjustments to the settings.

Historically, every check had to be performed in person with a pacemaker technician and a doctor, however technology now exists which enables us to do some of these checks remotely. You will still need to attend the practice for some face-to-face appointments, as not all aspects of the device can be checked remotely. In addition, programming changes can only be made at in-person visits.

Which cardiac devices are eligible for Remote monitoring

We provide Remote Cardiac Device Monitoring for our patients with implanted cardiac devices – including pacemakers, defibrillators and loop recorders.


Please note, we do not ‘live’ monitor your device on a 24-hour basis. We review the data only during business hours, Monday to Friday. We do not review data on weekends or public holidays.

If you have a medical emergency, please immediately call an ambulance on 000. The remote monitor or the monitoring service will not contact an ambulance for you.

REMOTE MONITORING IS NOT AN EMERGENCY SERVICE


What is Remote Monitoring and how does it work:

  • Remote monitoring of your cardiac device involves the transmission of data from your device (using a manufacturer supplied monitor), to the device manufacturer, who then makes that data/information available to the Sydney Remote Monitoring (SRM) clinic. The SRM clinic are then able to use that information to provide to you and / or your doctor with information to ensure that the device is functioning appropriately and to assist with your health care. 

  • You would have either received a bedside monitor, a mobile monitor or instructions regarding an app (downloadable to your phone) that is compatible with your implanted device, from the device manufacturer. 

  • The type of monitor / remote monitoring technology is dependent on the manufacturer of your implantable device and will be supplied by the device manufacturer.

  • You need to connect the bedside monitor, or if using an app, make sure the app is working. Instructions regarding this will have been provided to you following the device implantation If you have difficulties with your monitor or need any technical assistance, please contact the device company directly – their contact details will have been provided to you following device implantation, and are included in the pack that was provided to you after your procedure. 

  • Contact the device manufacturer if the remote monitoring device not working properly.

What does the remote monitor look like:

  • The type of monitor (which is essentially a transmitter - as it does not actually do any monitoring itself) that you were provided is determined by the manufacturer of your cardiac device.

  • Some patients choose to use an “app” on their phone, rather than a stand alone bedside monitor. This option would have been discussed with you either before or after your procedure. 

What Remote Monitors Do:

  • The remote monitor transmits data from your implanted device to the device manufacturer. 

  • The remote monitor is hence best to be considered as a “transmitter” rather than a “monitor”.

  • Remote monitors transmit data from your cardiac device at regular, scheduled time intervals.

  • If specific criteria are met, these will generate an ‘automatic alert’ at non-scheduled times, which are then communicated to the SRM clinic using the remote monitor.

What Remote Monitors DON'T Do:

  • They do not provide treatment or deliver therapies.

  • They do not turn your cardiac device on or off, change settings, or reprogram your device.

  • No information is stored on the remote monitor itself.

  • They do not provide you with any information about your implanted device.

  • They do not provide a “live feed” of information. 

  • They are not an emergency medical alert system. They do not call 000 during an emergency. If you have a medical emergency, call 000 for an ambulance. 

  • For any mild or non-life-threatening symptoms please contact your usual doctor or our practice. 

  • Remote monitoring is not a sole substitute for ongoing cardiac device monitoring

What does Sydney Remote Monitoring (SRM) do:

  • SRM will schedule regular remote transmissions from your device and review these transmissions. Transmissions typically occur at night when the implanted device connects to the home monitor. 

  • SRM may not and typically does not, receive daily transmissions on every patient. 

  • We also do not receive a continuous feed or “live” information.

  • SRM will check and analyse transmitted alerts.

  • ‘Automatic alerts’ are only checked during usual business hours and there may be a time lag between when an alert is transmitted from your device to when it is reviewed by the SRM clinic.  The length of this time lag will depend on multiple factors. 

  • Depending on the nature of the alert, you may receive a call or a message from the SRM clinic.

  • Results of abnormal transmissions / findings are communicated to you and/or your doctor to determine the next most appropriate course of action. 

  • Contact you if your monitor is not transmitting for extended periods of time.  

Your responsibilities is to ensure that:

  • Your contact details are up to date and you are contactable during usual business hours. 

  • You have provided us with an emergency contact person and their contact details.

  • You keep us informed with the name and contact details of your usual doctor.

  • The monitor battery is charged / connected to power and connected to the network. If using the “app” on your phone, it needs to be turned on an active. If the monitor / “app” are not connected to the network we will not receive alerts. 

  • The bedside monitor is plugged in and located within 2-3 metres (depending on the manufacturer) of you while you sleep to enable the data to upload to the monitor. 

  • You attend face to face appointments at the frequency recommended by your doctor.

  • You advise SRM of any travel plans or other scheduled events such as surgery, when you may not be within the vicinity of your remote monitor for more than a few days, that may affect the transmissions. 

Benefits of participating in remote monitoring:

  • With remote cardiac device monitoring, problems with the implanted device and some heart rhythm problems can be detected and treated much earlier that only with in person checks.

  • Research has shown that early detection of issues by remote monitoring reduces the risk of hospitalisation or death because of worsening heart failure, compared to patients without monitoring.

  • Remote monitoring may also mean fewer trips to the clinic, hence saving cost and time for yourself and any carers that may attend with you.  

  • A remote device check however does not fully replace an in person check. You will still be required to attend the clinic for in person checks, though the frequency of the in person checks may possibly be reduced, on advice from the clinic. 

  • If anomalies are detected with remote monitoring, you may be required to attend the clinic or you may be asked to see your doctor for further advice / treatment.

Risks of not participating in remote monitoring:

  • If you decline to participate in remote monitoring, you may not be aware of any problems with your heart rhythm or with your implanted device, until a much later time. 

  • You are likely to require more frequent in-person checks.

  • If you choose to stop remote monitoring, you can do so at any time. You can also choose to re-enrol at any time. If you decide to disconnect the monitor or discontinue home monitoring, please notify us before you do this. 

Cost of remote monitoring with SRM:

  • SRM charges an annual fee for the remote monitoring service. The fee depends on the type of device is being monitored. You may be eligible to a medicare rebate.

  • The fee is payable when you first enrol and then on a yearly basis. You will be advised of any changes in fees, if the fees change. 

  • If you choose to cease remote monitoring with SRM you will only be charged for the period of time that you have been enrolled. Your implanted device will remain fully functional, but neither the device manufacturer nor SRM will arrange for an alternative monitoring service.

What is included in the annual fee:

  • Review of your scheduled transmissions

  • Review of any automatic alerts over a 12-month period

  • Discussion / notification of any abnormal results with you by the SRM clinic nurse / device technician / doctor

  • Notification to you following review of abnormal transmissions 

  • Notification of the results of the transmissions to your usual cardiologist

  • Dedicated point of contact for remote monitoring issues 

  • Filling out of MRI safety form as needed

  • The above constitute a “standard service”. If you require a non-standard service, in which case we will provide you with an individualised fee arrangement. 

If you wish to enrol in home monitoring of your device with SRM, or to find out more information

  • Please fill out the contact form below, and one of our staff will contact you:

    FORM UNDER DEVELOPMENT - Please call us to discuss any immediate concerns.