Dr. David M. Frisch

David Frisch, MD Cardiologist, Division of Cardiology

Dr. Frisch
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A perspective from David M. Frisch, M.D., F.A.C.C., CompuMed's lead cardiologist: Why is an ECG over-read important? Dr. Frisch: "An over-read helps resolve the problem of over interpreted or under-interpreted tracings. In other words, it helps ensure that ECG results are interpreted accurately. This in turn can save the patient's life."

How accurate are machine interpretations? Do they vary by program? Dr. Frisch: "In my experience, the error rate for machine interpretations in terms of false abnormals or normals is about 25%, and different over-read automated software programs each have their own weaknesses."

Why is it important to have a cardiologist perform an over-read? Can't a nurse or other kind of doctor do the reads? Dr. Frisch: "If an over-read is required it must be performed by a qualified physician. There are serious medical and legal implications and liabilities if an over-read result is inaccurate. Physician extenders (e.g., PAs or NPs) are simply not qualified for this job, and most internists or GPs don't read ECGs as well as a computer program, which also does not provide reliable over-read results. It's very difficult to teach a non-cardiologist to read ECGs properly on par with a cardiologist."

What makes CompuMed cardiologists unique? Dr. Frisch: "CompuMed's cardiologists are on the faculty of leading medical schools such as UCLA Medical School, and have taught ECG reading courses for decades.

by Dr. David M. Frisch
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David M. Frisch
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David M. Frisch
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David M. Frisch M.D., F.A.C.C., is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the UCLA School of Medicine in Los Angeles. He is a Diplomate of the American Boards of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease. He has trained at the Medical College of Wisconsin, USC, Stanford, Georgetown and UCLA. Dr. Frisch has a longstanding clinical practice in Beverly Hills, California, geared to preventive medicine strategies with specific interest and expertise in heart attack and stroke prevention.