Employers and Payers

“$ 12 billion per year spent on unnecessary admission of patients with “chest pain”

(DRG handbook Washington DC. 1997)

“When a baseline EKG is available there is 54% reduction in unnecessary hospitalization.”

(J Gen Intern Med 1990; 5: 381-388)

“The direct and indirect cost (e.g., lost workdays and productivity) costs associated with Cardiovascular Disease are estimated to be almost $300 billion per year.”

(American Heart Association. 2001 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update. Dallas, Texas: AHA 2000.)

“Cardiovascular disability is the leading cause of premature and permanent disability in the United States, accounting for 19% of all disability payments by the Social Security Administration.”

(American Heart Association. 2001 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update. Dallas, Texas: AHA 2000.)