POAC ECG Funding Policy
ECG is a part of normal general practice and in most cases is not funded by POAC.
POAC funds urgent ECG under the following circumstances:
Investigation of current/recent chest pain:
a. or other relevant symptoms as part of the Acute Coronary Syndrome pathway, where the patient meets the criteria for troponin testing. Clinical notes must demonstrate that a troponin has been requested to qualify for POAC-funded ECG.
b. where pulmonary embolism is an unlikely but plausible differential diagnosis, and ECG is stated as required to look for evidence of PE.
c. for suspected pericarditis
Investigation of hypokalaemia as part of a work-up to decide if acute admission is required
Investigation of palpitations or irregular pulse where the patient has:
a. current or recent palpitations (within the last few days) AND a newly abnormal pulse
b. new finding of an irregularly irregular pulse on clinical examination (irrespective of symptoms) and ECG is to look for Atrial Fibrillation (AF). If AF is confirmed, notes must indicate immediate management in accordance with the Atrial Fibrillation HealthPathway.
Investigation of rheumatic fever ONLY when the diagnosis is in doubt. See Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease HealthPathway.
NOT COVERED BY POAC:
1. Non-acute chest pain.
2. Chest pain without cardiac features.
3. History of palpitations but none currently present and pulse normal.
4. Chest symptoms due to likely PE (patient should be admitted).
5. Chest pain caused by probable ACS which requires immediate admission.
6. Suspected or confirmed rheumatic fever where admission is inevitable.
POAC ECG funding policy, updated: May 2024