Alone and afraid, Grace* was experiencing symptoms she thought may be the sign of a heart attack. She called the Lifespark Triage team. They escalated her concern to a Mobile Urgent Responder (MUR) who quickly came to her home.
The responder did a full exam including the use of a SmartHeart® electrocardiogram (EKG). Five minutes later, a remote cardiologist had reviewed the results and put Grace’s fears to rest. It wasn’t her heart, it was anxiety.
This is one example of how Lifespark’s Urgent Response Services combined with the use of SmartHeart can avoid unnecessary hours of waiting in the emergency room (ER).
“Many seniors don’t want to go to the ER and spend hours sitting and waiting for results,” said Dr. Wendy Laine, MD, Lifespark Medical Director. “When it’s important, you shouldn’t have to wait.”
Hospital-grade 12-lead EKG testing in your home
In January 2025, Lifespark began a partnership with SmartHeart to provide this additional diagnostic capability. SmartHeart portable EKG technology offers 24/7 access to board-certified cardiologists from the comfort of home.
“Our ability to provide rapid EKG results empowers seniors and their loved ones to make quick and informed health decisions,” explained Dr. Laine. “These tools can avoid unnecessary trips to the ER and confirm when an underlying issue needs immediate attention.”
How SmartHeart works
EKG results from the portable SmartHeart device are read by board-certified cardiologists within 30 minutes. The average response time to receive EKG results and clinical recommendations is closer to seven minutes for Lifespark members.
“The device has proven to be easy and efficient to use! After getting the initial interpretation from the cardiologist, we have a Lifespark provider review it and compare it with the member’s previous EKG readings. This allows a more complete approach to care,” said Leah Castle, RN, BSN, Mobile Urgent Response Team Lead. “The provider knows our members, can talk about the results with them, and safely customize next steps.”
If the ECG demonstrates a concerning finding, and it meets the members’ goals of care, Lifespark’s Urgent Response Services facilitates a smooth transfer to the appropriate facility. They will coordinate with providers and communicate the member’s history, status and directives for care.
“That’s the experience we want. An in-home primary care experience that reacts and delivers immediate, appropriate action with the members’ goals in mind,” said Dr. Laine.
To learn more about Lifespark Urgent Response Services and SmartHeart:
Mobile Urgent Response: Better for Seniors, Better for ERs – Lifespark
When Emergency Rooms Do Seniors More Harm Than Good – Lifespark
