Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT) and the "Hospital at Home" Model
In 2026, the boundaries of the hospital have effectively blurred due to the expansion of Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT) and "Hospital at Home" programs. MCT allows stable patients who require 24/7 monitoring to be discharged safely to their own homes while remaining under ICU-level surveillance.
MCT devices automatically detect abnormal heart rhythms and transmit data via cellular or satellite networks to remote diagnostic centers staffed by certified cardiographic technicians. Unlike legacy Holter monitors that required the device to be returned for data analysis, MCT provides real-time alerts and immediate clinical feedback. This shift is supported by 2026 Medicare updates that have expanded reimbursement for remote care, recognizing that patients often recover faster in a familiar home environment while still receiving high-level monitoring.