Patients
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Questions About VitalPatch®
The VitalConnect Solution is a comprehensive patient monitoring system that combines wireless biosensor technology with individual and centralized monitoring interfaces. The flexibility of the system and the convenience of the wireless platform enables continuous care for both inpatient and outpatient monitoring environments.
The VitalPatch biosensor is a disposable, wearable patient monitor discreetly worn on the patient’s chest. It measures 8 physiological measurements continuously, in real time.
Patient wearing VitalPatch
The VitalPatch biosensor measures signals from the heart, lungs, body temperature (optional), and posture to quantify and help diagnose certain underlying conditions for patients.
Specifically, the VitalPatch is a battery-operated adhesive patch with integrated sensors and a wireless transceiver, worn on the torso to record electrocardiography (ECG), heart rate, heart rate variability, R-R interval, respiratory rate, body temperature (optional), activity (including step count), posture (body position relative to gravity) and fall detection.
ECG, skin temperature and accelerometer data are direct measurements. Heart rate, R-R interval, respiration rate, steps, posture, body temperature and fall detection are derived measurements. R-R interval measurements can be used to measure Heart rate variability (HRV) statistics offline.
There are two positions for placement: Primary (on the left upper chest) and Secondary (below the left breast). Out of the two possible placement positions, we have found that:
- The Primary position is best for most patients. The Primary position is required for cardiac monitoring.
- The Secondary position is not recommended for obese patients and must not be used for cardiac monitoring.
Patient wearing VitalPatch
Removing chest hair: Shaving for men is recommended for optimizing VitalPatch adhesion, maximizing signal quality and avoiding discomfort during removal.
Cleaning skin: The skin should be free from lotions and oils to maximize adhesion. Use an alcohol wipe to clean the area for application and allow to dry prior to applying the VitalPatch. Do not exercise or shower for 30 minutes after initial VitalPatch application.
Handling: Take care not to touch the adhesive or hydrogel while applying the VitalPatch; hold in the middle section of the VitalPatch that is free from adhesives while removing liners and positioning the VitalPatch for application.
Please follow the Instructions for Use and the included QuickStart Guide for full application instructions. See the video instructions on the Patient Resources page.
When the power button on the VitalPatch is pressed for the first time, an LED light on the VitalPatch will flash a few times to indicate that the VitalPatch is turned on and ready for use. The light does not remain on after the initial flashes.
No. Once the VitalPatch is turned on and activated, it cannot be turned off. The VitalPatch will last for 7 days (168 hours) and will automatically turn off at the end of that period.
The VitalPatch will last for 7 days (168 hours) before turning off. If monitoring is prescribed for longer than 7 days, the VitalPatch must be replaced as ordered by your doctor. Refer to patch changing instructions as needed. Any data stored on the VitalPatch must be uploaded to the VistaPhone (or tablet) before the VitalPatch turns off, or data loss will occur.
Third party devices for blood pressure, oxygen saturation and weight are connected to the VistaTablet or VistaPhone via Bluetooth. Please follow the instructions in the VistaPoint Remote Patient Monitoring Instructions for Use and the included QuickStart Guide. Third-party devices are not supported for cardiac monitoring.
Try the following steps to reestablish connection between the VitalPatch and VistaPhone (or tablet):
- If your VitalPatch has never been connected to the VistaPhone, follow the instructions in your QuickStart Guide to pair the VitalPatch, or refer to the instructions and videos on the Patient Resources page.
- If you have been wearing this VitalPatch for more than 7 days, the VitalPatch will have expired and disconnected. Replace the VitalPatch if necessary.
- If the VitalPatch has not expired, keep the VitalPatch and VistaPhone are near each other (less than 10 feet).
- The VitalPatch may have been suffocated by tight clothing or bedding. Press the power button on the VitalPatch to power it on again.
- Restart the VistaPhone by holding down the power button on the VistaPhone until the Power Off option appears. Select this option and wait for shutdown. After shutdown, power-on the VistaPhone by holding down the power button until the screen lights up. Unlock the VistaPhone and recheck the connection.
- If these steps do not restore connection, contact Customer Support at 800-219-3000.
Yes. The VitalPatch is water-resistant for showers and daily wear. It cannot be submerged in a bath or sauna. While showering, minimize exposure directly under the shower head and avoid excessive contact with soap or scrubbing.
The VitalPatch was designed so patients can go about their daily lives. Mild daily activities such as walking, cleaning the house, or working in an office will not affect operation. Showering and light exercising are also allowed.
The VitalPatch cannot be submerged, so swimming, hot tubs, and saunas must be avoided. Intensive exercise with sweating should also be avoided.
VitalPatch has a skin irritation rate of less than 1%. However, if you experience discomfort or irritation beyond mild symptoms, try the following:
- Remove the current VitalPatch using the provided adhesive removal pad. Carefully clean the skin with soap and water and allow to dry. Wipe the application area with an alcohol pad and allow to dry. Apply a new VitalPatch and monitor for further signs of discomfort and irritation.
- If an allergic reaction or severe irritation occurs, remove the VitalPatch. Contact your care team or call Customer Support at 800-219-3000.
If the VistaPhone shows that it is still connected to the VitalPatch, press down firmly on the VitalPatch to reattach it to the skin. The monitoring kit includes an adhesive overlay that can be applied over the VitalPatch to help it adhere for the duration of the wear period. Tap the Menu button of the VistaPhone and then tap Help to view a video for application instructions. If an overlay was not provided, contact your care team or call Customer Support at 800-219-3000.
If the VistaPhone says that a “Patch off” event has been detected, disconnect and remove the VitalPatch. Apply and pair a new VitalPatch if you have one available.
The VitalPatch will store up to 16 hours data while you are away from the VistaPhone (or tablet). When you come back into contact with the VistaPhone, the stored data will be uploaded. If you are away from the VistaPhone for more than 16 hours, some data will be lost.
Please ensure the VitalPatch is near the VistaPhone (or tablet) and properly connected when the battery life is running out to ensure upload of all data. Data collected about your heart and vital signs may be lost otherwise and will not be considered in the diagnosis to your physician.
Ensure the VitalPatch is within 10 feet of the VistaPhone. If using the VistaTablet, ensure the VitalPatch is within 30 feet of the tablet. If the VitalPatch has been out of range for a long period of time, ensure that you stay within range of the VistaPhone (or tablet) to ensure all data uploads.
Questions About Billing (Cardiac Monitoring)
VitalConnect is a leader in wearable biosensor technology for wireless patient monitoring in both hospital and remote patient populations. Your healthcare provider has requested VitalConnect to provide your ambulatory cardiac monitoring service needs.
VitalConnect may call you for any of the following reasons, related to your device and services. Here are a few examples:
- Verifying your insurance information
- Assisting with billing questions
- Reminding you to stay connected to your device, or device troubleshooting
- Reminding you to return your device at the end of your service
To ensure calls from VitalConnect are identified properly on your phone, you can add VitalConnect to your phone contacts. Scan the following QR code to add the contact.
VitalConnect Contact QR Code
Your cardiac monitoring services are billed by both VitalConnect and, in most instances, your healthcare provider who ordered the services. VitalConnect bills for the monitoring services, while your healthcare provider will bill for placement of the monitor (where applicable) and the review/interpretation of your monitoring results.
Once your VitalConnect charges are submitted to your insurance company, you will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company. An EOB is NOT a bill.
Prior to receiving a statement, VitalConnect will make every effort to collect the appropriate amount due from your insurance company.
If you have any unmet co-insurance or deductible, you will receive a billing statement directly from VitalConnect.
You can simply call VitalConnect’s Billing Department (855) 621-8250. You can also email Billing@vitalconnect.com.
Note: Your healthcare provider does not coordinate or have access to VitalConnect’s billing or insurance coverage guidelines – they will not have answers to questions you may have related to VitalConnect’s services. Therefore, all billing questions related to VitalConnect’s services should be directed to VitalConnect.
VitalConnect understands the complexities of affordable healthcare. For this reason, we have a Patient Financial Assistance Program available to those who qualify. For further information, or for assistance with any billing or payment concerns, please call VitalConnect’s Billing Department (855) 621-8250. You can also email billing@vitalconnect.com.
VitalConnect maintains an IDTF (Independent Diagnostic Testing Facility) staffed by trained monitoring technicians. The IDTF operates independently from your healthcare provider to perform monitoring services. Specifically, the VitalConnect IDTF monitors ECG data collected by VitalPatch devices worn by patients. When the patient is enrolled in VitalConnect’s mobile cardiac telemetry (MCT) services, the IDTF technicians can notify your healthcare provider of ECG readings that meet defined notification criteria for arrhythmias. At the end of the monitoring period, the IDTF prepares a monitoring report based on your collected ECG data for your physician to assist with diagnosis.