In recent years, Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) has become a commonly used tool for the diagnosis and management of hypertension. Much of this growth was enhanced by the 2001 decision of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to begin reimbursement of ABPM for evaluation of white-coat hypertension. However, because of the focus on white-coat hypertension, there has been much confusion and misinformation as to whether ABPM is even a covered medical procedure. Understanding the clinical benefits and reimbursement of ABPM presents a valuable, yet often-missed opportunity for both physicians and sales representatives who might distribute these devices.

ABPM is a procedure where a small, automated electronic device, worn by the patient for a period of 24 hours or more, periodically records Blood Pressure (BP) during normal daily activities, including sleep. Typically, readings are taken every 15-20 minutes during the day and every 30-40 minutes at night. Fewer nighttime readings are needed because of reduced BP variability and enhanced patient comfort. Collected data are downloaded to a PC program to allow viewing of data and creation of a medical report. Many ABPM software programs also facilitate integration of the summary report with most electronic medical record systems.