042 Form

1

Medical Policy Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Table of Contents • Policy: Commercial • Coding Information
• Information Pertaining to All Policies
• Policy: Medicare • Description
• References
• Authorization Information • Policy History
• Endnotes Policy Number: 042

BCBSA Reference Number 2.02.15 (For Plan internal use only) Related Policies Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators, #070 Policy1 Commercial Members: Managed Care (HMO and POS), PPO, and Indemnity

Automatic external defibrillators are considered MEDICALLY NECESSARY for patients who meet the criteria in Policy 070, Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) or for patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) due to one of the following conditions:

A wearable defibrillator (K0606) is covered for patients if they meet one of the criteria (1-4) described below:

1. A documented episode of ventricular fibrillation or a sustained, lasting 30 seconds or longer, ventricular tachyarrhythmia. These dysrhythmias may be either spontaneous or induced during an electrophysiologic (EP) study, but may not be due to a transient or reversible cause and not occur during the first 48 hours of an acute myocardial infarction; or
2. Familial or inherited conditions with a high risk of life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmia such as long QT syndrome or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; or
3. Either documented prior myocardial infarction or dilated cardiomyopathy and a measured left ventricular ejection fraction less than or equal to 0.35; or

4. A previously implanted defibrillator now requires explantation.

   It is expected the ordering physician be experienced in the management of patients at risk for SCD.

   Use of wearable cardioverter-defibrillators is considered INVESTIGATIONAL for all other indications.

   Prior Authorization Information
   Inpatient • For services described in this policy, precertification/preauthorization IS REQUIRED for all products if the procedure is performed inpatient.
   Outpatient

2 • For services described in this policy, see below for products where prior authorization might be required if the procedure is performed outpatient.

Outpatient Commercial Managed Care (HMO and POS) Prior authorization is not required. Commercial PPO and Indemnity Prior authorization is not required. CPT Codes / HCPCS Codes / ICD Codes Inclusion or exclusion of a code does not constitute or imply member coverage or provider reimbursement. Please refer to the member’s contract benefits in effect at the time of service to determine coverage or non-coverage as it applies to an individual member.

Providers should report all services using the most up-to-date industry-standard procedure, revenue, and diagnosis codes, including modifiers where applicable.

The following codes are included below for informational purposes only; this is not an all-inclusive list.

The above medical necessity criteria MUST be met for the following codes to be covered for Commercial Members: Managed Care (HMO and POS), PPO, Indemnity, Medicare HMO Blue and Medicare PPO Blue:

HCPCS Codes HCPCS codes: Code Description K0606 Automatic external defibrillator, with integrated electrocardiogram analysis, garment type K0607 Replacement battery for automated external defibrillator, each K0608 Replacement garment for use with automated external defibrillator, each K0609 Replacement electrodes for use with automated external defibrillator, each The following ICD Diagnosis Codes are considered medically necessary when submitted with the CPT and HCPCS codes above if medical necessity criteria are met: ICD-10 Diagnosis Codes ICD-10-CM Diagnosis codes: Code Description A18.84 Tuberculosis of heart I21.01 ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving left main coronary artery I21.02 ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving left anterior descending coronary artery I21.09 ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving other coronary artery of anterior wall I21.11 ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving right coronary artery I21.19 ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving other coronary artery of inferior wall I21.21 ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving left circumflex coronary artery I21.29 ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving other sites I21.3 ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction of unspecified site I21.4 Non-ST elevation (NSTEMI) myocardial infarction I21.9 Acute myocardial infarction, unspecified I21.A1 Myocardial infarction type 2 I21.A9 Other myocardial infarction type I22.0 Subsequent ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction of anterior wall I22.1 Subsequent ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction of inferior wall I22.2 Subsequent non-ST elevation (NSTEMI) myocardial infarction

3 I22.8 Subsequent ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction of other sites I22.9 Subsequent ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction of unspecified site I25.2 Old myocardial infarction I42.0 Dilated cardiomyopathy I42.1 Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy I42.2 Other hypertrophic cardiomyopathy I42.3 Endomyocardial (eosinophilic) disease I42.4 Endocardial fibroelastosis I42.5 Other restrictive cardiomyopathy I42.6 Alcoholic cardiomyopathy I42.7 Cardiomyopathy due to drug and external agent I42.8 Other cardiomyopathies I42.9 Cardiomyopathy, unspecified I43 Cardiomyopathy in diseases classified elsewhere I45.81 Long QT syndrome I46.2 Cardiac arrest due to underlying cardiac condition I46.8 Cardiac arrest due to other underlying condition I46.9 Cardiac arrest, cause unspecified I47.0 Re-entry ventricular arrhythmia I47.20 Ventricular tachycardia, unspecified I47.21 Torsades de pointes I47.29 Other ventricular tachycardia I49.01 Ventricular fibrillation I49.02 Ventricular flutter T82.110A Breakdown (mechanical) of cardiac electrode, initial encounter T82.111A Breakdown (mechanical) of cardiac pulse generator (battery), initial encounter T82.118A Breakdown (mechanical) of other cardiac electronic device, initial encounter T82.119A Breakdown (mechanical) of unspecified cardiac electronic device, initial encounter T82.120A Displacement of cardiac electrode, initial encounter T82.121A Displacement of cardiac pulse generator (battery), initial encounter T82.128A Displacement of other cardiac electronic device, initial encounter T82.129A Displacement of unspecified cardiac electronic device, initial encounter T82.190A Other mechanical complication of cardiac electrode, initial encounter T82.191A Other mechanical complication of cardiac pulse generator (battery), initial encounter T82.198A Other mechanical complication of other cardiac electronic device, initial encounter T82.199A Other mechanical complication of unspecified cardiac device, initial encounter T82.6XXA Infection and inflammatory reaction due to cardiac valve prosthesis, initial encounter T82.7XXA Infection and inflammatory reaction due to other cardiac and vascular devices, implants and grafts, initial encounter

Description Sudden Cardiac Arrest Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the most common cause of death in patients with coronary artery disease.

Treatment The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has proven effective in reducing mortality for survivors of SCA and for patients with documented malignant ventricular arrhythmias. More recently, use of ICDs has been broadened by studies reporting a reduction in mortality for patients at risk for ventricular arrhythmias, such as patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI) and reduced ejection fraction (EF).

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators consist of implantable leads, which are placed percutaneously in the heart, that are connected to a pulse generator placed beneath the skin of the chest or abdomen. Placement

4 of the ICD is a minor surgical procedure. Potential adverse events of ICD placement are bleeding, infection, pneumothorax, and delivery of unnecessary counter shocks. See policy 070 for further information on ICDs.

The wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is an external device intended to perform the same tasks as an ICD, without invasive procedures. It consists of a vest worn continuously underneath the patient's clothing. Part of this vest is the "electrode belt" that contains the cardiac-monitoring electrodes and the therapy electrodes that deliver a counter shock. The vest is connected to a monitor with a battery pack and alarm module worn on the patient's belt. The monitor contains the electronics that interpret the cardiac rhythm and determines when a counter shock is necessary. The alarm module alerts the patient to certain conditions by lights or voice messages, during which time a conscious patient can abort or delay the shock.

The initial U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- labeled indication for WCDs was adults at risk for SCA who either are not candidates for or refuse an implantable ICD.1, Some experts have suggested that the indications for a WCD should be broadened to include other populations at high risk for SCA.2, The potential indications include: • Bridge to transplantation (ie, the Use of a Wearable Defibrillator in Terminating Tachyarrhythmias in Patients at High Risk for Sudden Death [WEARIT] study population); • Bridge to implantable device or clinical improvement (ie, the Patients at High Risk for Sudden Death after a Myocardial Infarction or Bypass Surgery not receiving an ICD for up to four months [BIROAD] study population): o Post bypass with EF less than 30%, o Post bypass with ventricular arrhythmias or syncope within 48 hours of surgery, o Post MI with EF less than 30%, o Post MI with ventricular arrhythmias within 48 hours; • Drug-related arrhythmias (during drug washout or after, during evaluation of long-term risk); • Patients awaiting revascularization; • Patients too ill to undergo device implantation; and • Patients who refuse device therapy.

Summary Description A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is a temporary, external device that is an alternative to an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). It is primarily intended for temporary conditions for which an implantable device is contraindicated, or for the period during which the need for a permanent implantable device is uncertain.

Summary of Evidence Overview of Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator Versus Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator One randomized controlled trial (RCT) has compared wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCDs) with usual guideline-based care and found no significant benefit to WCD over usual care. No studies have directly compared the performance of a WCD with a permanent implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). One small study in an electrophysiology lab demonstrated that the WCD can correctly identify and terminate most induced ventricular arrhythmias. Similarly, a study of the ASSURE WCD in patients with cardiomyopathy found that the WCD detected all events recorded by an ICD with few false-positive shock alarms in a 30-day period. A cohort study of WCD use estimated that the percentage of successful resuscitations was approximately 70%. Multiple studies have demonstrated suboptimal adherence. Device failures were largely attributed to incorrect device use and/or nonadherence. A more recent registry study has reported a high compliance rate, although these results may be biased by self-selection. Collectively, this evidence indicates that the WCD can successfully detect and terminate arrhythmias in at least some patients but that overall performance in clinical practice might be inferior to a permanent ICD.

Temporary Contraindications For individuals who have a temporary contraindication to an ICD who receive a WCD, the evidence includes prospective cohort studies and a technology assessment that assessed ICD devices, given the absence of evidence on WCD devices. Relevant outcomes are overall survival (OS), morbid events, functional

5 outcomes, and treatment-related morbidity. A small number of patients meet established criteria for an ICD but have a transient contraindication for an implantable device, most commonly an infectious process. The available data have established that the WCD device can detect lethal arrhythmias and successfully deliver a countershock in most cases. In patients scheduled for ICD placement, the WCD will improve outcomes as an interim treatment. The evidence is sufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.

Immediate Post-Myocardial Infarction For individuals who are in the immediate post-myocardial infarction (MI) period who receive a WCD, the evidence includes an RCT comparing WCD with guideline-based therapy, 2 cohort studies, and a systematic review. Relevant outcomes are OS, morbid events, functional outcomes, and treatment-related morbidity. The RCT reported no benefit of WCD over guideline-based therapy. The cohort study of 8453 patients showed that 252 shocks successfully terminated ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) (82% success rate), but without a control group, interpretation is difficult. Similarly, a retrospective cohort of Medicare data found that WCD use was associated with lower 1-year mortality than no WCD use, but potential biases were noted. Evidence from the systematic review was deemed of low to very low quality, and the reviewers had weak confidence in the reported estimates. The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.

Post-Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery at High Risk for Lethal Arrhythmias For individuals who are post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and are at high risk for lethal arrhythmias, the evidence includes an RCT for ICD and a registry study. Relevant outcomes are OS, morbid events, functional outcomes, and treatment-related morbidity. For high-risk post-CABG patients, an RCT reported no difference in OS associated with early ICD placement. The registry study found survival benefits with WCD but had limited interpretation of data. The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.

Awaiting Heart Transplantation at High Risk for Lethal Arrhythmias For individuals who are awaiting heart transplantation and are at high risk for lethal arrhythmias, the evidence includes analyses of subsets of patients from the manufacturer registry, a subset from a prospective cohort study, and a case series. Relevant outcomes are OS, morbid events, functional outcomes, and treatment-related morbidity. These studies do not provide sufficient evidence to determine whether a WCD is of benefit compared with usual care. The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.

Newly Diagnosed Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy For individuals who have newly diagnosed nonischemic cardiomyopathy, the evidence includes an RCT for ICD and several retrospective analyses of WCD registry data. Relevant outcomes are OS, morbid events, functional outcomes, and treatment-related morbidity. The RCT found that prophylactic ICD placement for nonischemic cardiomyopathy did not improve mortality compared with usual care. Evidence from the retrospective analysis was not sufficient to determine whether WCD improves outcomes compared with usual care. Given the lack of evidence that ICD improves outcomes, WCD is not expected to improve outcomes under the conditions studied in these trials. The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome. Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

For individuals who have peripartum cardiomyopathy, the evidence includes a retrospective registry data analysis and a small cohort study. Relevant outcomes are OS, morbid events, functional outcomes, and treatment-related morbidity. The registry study revealed that no shocks were delivered during use over an average of 124 days. The cohort study identified 4 episodes of appropriate electric shock over 133 days. The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.

Policy History Date Action

6 5/2026 Policy updated with literature review through March 25, 2026; references added. Policy statements unchanged. 7/2025 Annual policy review. Policy updated with literature review through March 18, 2025; no references added. Policy statements unchanged. 7/2024 Annual policy review. References updated. Policy statements unchanged. 7/2023 Annual policy review. Minor editorial refinements to policy statements; intent unchanged. 10/2022 Clarified coding information. 7/2022 Annual policy review. Policy statements unchanged. 6/2021 Annual policy review. Description, summary, and references updated. Policy statements unchanged. 1/2021 Medicare information removed. See MP #132 Medicare Advantage Management for local coverage determination and national coverage determination reference.
7/2020 Annual policy review. Description, summary, and references updated. Policy statements unchanged. 6/2019 Annual policy review. Description, summary, and references updated. Policy statements unchanged. 6/2018 Annual policy review. Description, summary, and references updated. Policy statements unchanged. 1/2018 Clarified coding information. 10/2017 Clarified coding information. 6/2017 Annual policy review. New references added. 12/2016 New medically necessary indications described. Clarified coding information. Effective 12/1/2016.
7/2016 Annual policy review. New references added. 9/2015 Clarified coding information.
3/2015 Annual policy review. New references added. 6/2014 Updated Coding section with ICD10 procedure and diagnosis codes. Effective 10/2015. 6/2014 Annual policy review. Description, summary, and references updated. Policy statements unchanged. 3/2014 Annual policy review. Description, summary, and references updated. Policy statements unchanged; title changed. Effective 3/1/2014.
6/2013 New medically necessary indications for Medicare described. Effective immediately, 6/17/2013. 11/2011-4/2012 Medical policy ICD 10 remediation: Formatting, editing and coding updates. No changes to policy statements.
4/2011 Reviewed - Medical Policy Group – Cardiology and Pulmonology. No changes to policy statements. 4/2010 Reviewed - Medical Policy Group - Cardiology. No changes to policy statements.
4/2009 Reviewed - Medical Policy Group - Cardiology. No changes to policy statements.
4/2008 Reviewed - Medical Policy Group - Cardiology. No changes to policy statements.
3/1/2008 Medical Policy 042 effective 3/1/2008, describing covered and non-covered indications. Information Pertaining to All Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Policies Click on any of the following terms to access the relevant information: Medical Policy Terms of Use Managed Care Guidelines Indemnity/PPO Guidelines Clinical Exception Process Medical Technology Assessment Guidelines

7

References

1. Food and Drug Administration. Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data, P010030, Lifecor, Inc. WCD 2000 System. 2001; https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf/p010030b.pdf. Accessed March 25, 2026.
2. Beauregard LA. Personal security: Clinical applications of the wearable defibrillator. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. Jan 2004; 27(1): 1-3. PMID 14720147
3. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center (TEC). Wearable cardioverter- defibrillator as a bridge to implantable cardioverter-defibrillator treatment. TEC Assessments. 2010;Volume 25:Tab 2.
4. Auricchio A, Klein H, Geller CJ, et al. Clinical efficacy of the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator in acutely terminating episodes of ventricular fibrillation. Am J Cardiol. May 15 1998; 81(10): 1253-6. PMID 9604964
5. Chung MK, Szymkiewicz SJ, Shao M, et al. Aggregate national experience with the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator: event rates, compliance, and survival. J Am Coll Cardiol. Jul 13 2010; 56(3): 194-203. PMID 20620738
6. Goetz G, Wernly B, Wild C. Wearable cardioverter defibrillator for preventing sudden cardiac death in patients at risk: An updated systematic review of comparative effectiveness and safety. Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc. Apr 2023; 45: 101189. PMID 37025482
7. Tanawuttiwat T, Garisto JD, Salow A, et al. Protection from outpatient sudden cardiac death following ICD removal using a wearable cardioverter defibrillator. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. May 2014; 37(5): 562-8. PMID 24762055
8. Mitrani RD, McArdle A, Slane M, et al. Wearable defibrillators in uninsured patients with newly diagnosed cardiomyopathy or recent revascularization in a community medical center. Am Heart J. Mar 2013; 165(3): 386-92. PMID 23453108
9. Kao AC, Krause SW, Handa R, et al. Wearable defibrillator use in heart failure (WIF): results of a prospective registry. BMC Cardiovasc Disord. Dec 12 2012; 12: 123. PMID 23234574
10. Feldman AM, Klein H, Tchou P, et al. Use of a wearable defibrillator in terminating tachyarrhythmias in patients at high risk for sudden death: results of the WEARIT/BIROAD. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. Jan 2004; 27(1): 4-9. PMID 14720148
11. Kutyifa V, Moss AJ, Klein H, et al. Use of the wearable cardioverter defibrillator in high-risk cardiac patients: data from the Prospective Registry of Patients Using the Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (WEARIT-II Registry). Circulation. Oct 27 2015; 132(17): 1613-9. PMID 26316618
12. Poole JE, Gleva MJ, Birgersdotter-Green U, et al. A wearable cardioverter defibrillator with a low false alarm rate. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. May 2022; 33(5): 831-842. PMID 35174572
13. Gregoratos G, Cheitlin MD, Conill A, et al. ACC/AHA guidelines for implantation of cardiac pacemakers and antiarrhythmia devices: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Committee on Pacemaker Implantation). J Am Coll Cardiol. Apr 1998; 31(5): 1175-209. PMID 9562026
14. Hohnloser SH, Kuck KH, Dorian P, et al. Prophylactic use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator after acute myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med. Dec 09 2004; 351(24): 2481-8. PMID 15590950
15. Steinbeck G, Andresen D, Seidl K, et al. Defibrillator implantation early after myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med. Oct 08 2009; 361(15): 1427-36. PMID 19812399
16. Olgin JE, Pletcher MJ, Vittinghoff E, et al. Wearable Cardioverter-Defibrillator after Myocardial Infarction. N Engl J Med. Sep 27 2018; 379(13): 1205-1215. PMID 30280654
17. Uyei J, Braithwaite RS. Effectiveness of wearable defibrillators: systematic review and quality of evidence. Int J Technol Assess Health Care. Apr 2014; 30(2): 194-202. PMID 24893969
18. Epstein AE, Abraham WT, Bianco NR, et al. Wearable cardioverter-defibrillator use in patients perceived to be at high risk early post-myocardial infarction. J Am Coll Cardiol. Nov 19 2013; 62(21): 2000-2007. PMID 23916930
19. Clark MA, Szymkiewicz SJ, Volosin K. Mortality and Costs Associated with Wearable Cardioverter- defibrillators after Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of Medicare Claims Data. J Innov Card Rhythm Manag. Oct 2019; 10(10): 3866-3873. PMID 32477706

8

20. Duncker D, Marijon E, Metra M, et al. Sudden cardiac death in newly diagnosed non-ischaemic or ischaemic cardiomyopathy assessed with a wearable cardioverter-defibrillator: the German nationwide SCD-PROTECT study. Eur Heart J. Nov 14 2025; 46(43): 4597-4606. PMID 40879135
21. Bigger JT. Prophylactic use of implanted cardiac defibrillators in patients at high risk for ventricular arrhythmias after coronary-artery bypass graft surgery. Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Patch Trial Investigators. N Engl J Med. Nov 27 1997; 337(22): 1569-75. PMID 9371853
22. Zishiri ET, Williams S, Cronin EM, et al. Early risk of mortality after coronary artery revascularization in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and potential role of the wearable cardioverter defibrillator. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. Feb 2013; 6(1): 117-28. PMID 23275233
23. Opreanu M, Wan C, Singh V, et al. Wearable cardioverter-defibrillator as a bridge to cardiac transplantation: A national database analysis. J Heart Lung Transplant. Oct 2015; 34(10): 1305-9. PMID 26094085
24. Wäßnig NK, Günther M, Quick S, et al. Experience With the Wearable Cardioverter-Defibrillator in Patients at High Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death. Circulation. Aug 30 2016; 134(9): 635-43. PMID 27458236
25. Rao M, Goldenberg I, Moss AJ, et al. Wearable defibrillator in congenital structural heart disease and inherited arrhythmias. Am J Cardiol. Dec 01 2011; 108(11): 1632-8. PMID 21890075
26. Kadish A, Schaechter A, Subacius H, et al. Patients with recently diagnosed nonischemic cardiomyopathy benefit from implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. J Am Coll Cardiol. Jun 20 2006; 47(12): 2477-82. PMID 16781376
27. Salehi N, Nasiri M, Bianco NR, et al. The Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator in Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy: A US National Database Analysis. Can J Cardiol. Oct 2016; 32(10): 1247.e1- 1247.e6. PMID 26975224
28. Duncker D, König T, Hohmann S, et al. Ventricular arrhythmias in patients with newly diagnosed nonischemic cardiomyopathy: Insights from the PROLONG study. Clin Cardiol. Aug 2017; 40(8): 586-
29. PMID 28333373
30. Duncker D, König T, Hohmann S, et al. Avoiding Untimely Implantable Cardioverter/Defibrillator Implantation by Intensified Heart Failure Therapy Optimization Supported by the Wearable Cardioverter/Defibrillator-The PROLONG Study. J Am Heart Assoc. Jan 17 2017; 6(1). PMID 28096098
31. Saltzberg MT, Szymkiewicz S, Bianco NR. Characteristics and outcomes of peripartum versus nonperipartum cardiomyopathy in women using a wearable cardiac defibrillator. J Card Fail. Jan 2012; 18(1): 21-7. PMID 22196837
32. Duncker D, Haghikia A, König T, et al. Risk for ventricular fibrillation in peripartum cardiomyopathy with severely reduced left ventricular function-value of the wearable cardioverter/defibrillator. Eur J Heart Fail. Dec 2014; 16(12): 1331-6. PMID 25371320
33. Rao SV, O'Donoghue ML, Ruel M, et al. 2025 ACC/AHA/ACEP/NAEMSP/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. Apr 2025; 151(13): e771-e862. PMID 40014670
34. Al-Khatib SM, Stevenson WG, Ackerman MJ, et al. 2017 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. Circulation. Sep 25 2018; 138(13): e272-e391. PMID 29084731
35. Klein HU, Meltendorf U, Reek S, et al. Bridging a temporary high risk of sudden arrhythmic death. Experience with the wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD). Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. Mar 2010; 33(3): 353-67. PMID 19889186
36. Piccini JP, Allen LA, Kudenchuk PJ, et al. Wearable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Therapy for the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association. Circulation. Apr 26 2016; 133(17): 1715-27. PMID 27022063

9 Endnotes

1 Based on Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Automatic External Defibrillators (L33690)