What tele-cardiology covers
The best tele-cardiology programs are tiered. Curbsides handle quick questions — an abnormal EKG, a chest-pain workup, a pre-op clearance. eConsults are documented specialist opinions billable under CPT 99451/99452. Tele-visits are direct patient encounters when the case warrants it. Cardiac read services cover EKG, echo, and ambulatory monitor interpretation.
Who uses tele-cardiology
Rural and critical-access hospitals use it so ED patients don't get transferred for questions a cardiologist could answer in five minutes. Community hospitals use it to supplement a small cardiology bench. Primary care clinics use it for arrhythmia triage, heart failure titration, and pre-op clearance without a six-week wait.
How premium tele-cardiology differs
Premium tele-cardiology means the reader is a board-certified cardiologist — NPI-verified, with meaningful post-fellowship experience — and the workflow supports both the reading and the treating clinician. Beam requires NPI, board certification, and a minimum of 3 years post-residency on every tele-cardiology case.
Frequently asked
Is tele-cardiology billable?
Yes. Tele-visits are billed as standard outpatient E/M codes. Provider-to-provider eConsults are billable under CPT 99451 (specialist) and 99452 (treating provider) when documentation criteria are met. Read services are billed under standard interpretation codes.
Can tele-cardiology replace an in-house cardiologist?
For most community and critical-access hospitals, yes — for the middle-band cases. Tele-cardiology handles curbsides, eConsults, tele-visits, and reads. Cath lab and invasive procedures still require in-person or transfer.
Who qualifies as a tele-cardiologist?
A board-certified cardiologist with an active US state medical license. Premium platforms require NPI verification and a minimum of 3 years post-fellowship experience.
How Beam delivers tele-cardiology
Beam is the premium telemedicine partner — every clinician is NPI-verified with a minimum of 3 years post-residency (or post-credential for allied roles).
See Beam Tele-Cardiology