CMS has released a Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) Cardiac Pacemaker Fact Sheet that identifies common errors identified during this review.  This review was completed using the National Coverage Determination (NCD) regarding pacemakers which defines the indication for single-chamber and dual chamber pacemaker insertion. This information is contained in the Medicare NCD Manual, CMS Publication 100-03, Chapter 1, Section 20.8

Common Dual-Chamber Pacemaker Errors Identified:

1.     No documentation to support the choice of a dual-chamber rather than a single-chamber pacemaker.

2.    Dual-chamber pacemaker implantation in patients with a clear contraindication, such as chronic atrial fibrillation.

For the complete fact sheet see: http://www.cms.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/CERT_Pmaker_FactSheet_ICN905144.pdf

For NCD Coverage see:

http://www.cms.gov/mcd/index_list.asp?list_type=ncd  then select Cardiac Pacemakers