Electrophysiology (EP) is one of the fastest growing segments of cardiovascular medicine. Some of the technological and clinical advancements that have moved EP monitoring and 3D mapping to the forefront include:
- A shift from diagnostic only procedure to interventional, therapeutic options for certain cardiac patients;
- Advancements in implantable technology ranging from basic single chamber pacemakers to technology that can sense and regulate rate and rhythm in multiple chambers of the heart independently or in synchronization with each other;
- Advancements in implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) and core EP monitoring solutions;
- Interventional ablation of tissue to help eliminate abnormal conduction pathways;
- Emergence of new vendors for 3D Mapping technology used in the evaluation and therapeutic approach to cardiac mapping and cardiac ablation therapy.
EP programs in the past were often sharing lab time with traditional diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac cath solutions. However in the last few years there has been a noticeable increase in either dedicated EP imaging solutions or labs with primary EP applications serving only as backup for other cardiac imaging. Technology imaging vendors have responded to the market changes with new EP specific options to their imaging systems for display, monitoring and evaluation of EP specific parameters.
Negotiation for purchase of this technology requires a deep understanding of how these systems can be highly configurable, and how components can be priced and discounted differently. Additionally, negotiation requires an excellent grasp of how the technology integrates into your EP program and related imaging, monitoring, and information technologies for this area. For 3D mapping area, there is a need to carefully assess and understand the proprietary consumables that are required and to consider the ongoing operational costs of these consumables and service costs.
Because these are primarily inpatient procedures, there are no separate APC codes or hospital-based reimbursement for this technology. EP procedures can be quite lengthy, particularly when you move into interventional and therapeutic work, so workflow efficiency is paramount.
Intra-cardiac Recording and Monitoring Technology
System Purchase Prices
Low High Average
$150,000 $250,000 $186,400
System Service Support Prices
Low High Average
$15,000 $34,000 $18,869
3D Mapping Technology
System Purchase Prices
Low High Average
$201,000 $315,000 $256,400
Support Prices System Service
Low High Average
$22,500 $87,300 $51,700
Keep in mind that the above ranges are sound values to use for budgetary consideration, but not for negotiation. Values vary by vendor, model, clinical application, and variables related to the purchase situation. Lower pricing is likely available based on specific quote along with experienced and knowledgeable review based on a comparison of a historical database for the same equipment.
Data Source: MD Buyline. Please note these numbers have been adjusted to exclude special deals, outliers and unique circumstances.