Remote patient monitoring (RPM) has become a widely accepted method of healthcare delivery as more and more healthcare providers use telehealth. By 2027, the global industry for remote patient monitoring systems is expected to be $1.7 billion. Read on to find out more about the advantages of remote patient monitoring as well as how it works.
Definition of Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote patient monitoring, also known as remote patient management or RPM, is a method of providing healthcare that uses advances in technology to collect patient data outside of traditional healthcare settings.
Acute and chronic conditions can be managed by healthcare providers via remote monitoring, which also reduces patient travel expenses and infection risk. Additionally, RPM contributes to improved patient self-management and patient-provider communication, both of which contribute to improved health outcomes.
The distinctions between RPM, telehealth, telemedicine, and patient monitoring
RPM, telehealth, telemedicine, and patient monitoring are just a few of the many terms used in the telehealth and RPM industry which can cause confusion.
Therefore, to clarify:
Technologies and services that enable long-distance patient care and health services are referred to as telehealth services like telemedicine and remote patient monitoring are included in telehealth.
A subset of telehealth, telemedicine describes itself as the service of remote medical practice. Telemedicine encompasses a variety of services, including consultations, medication management, virtual visits, and the management of chronic diseases.
The use of a device that enables a healthcare provider to monitor a patient’s condition and communicate with them outside of healthcare facilities is known as remote patient monitoring. RPM is not part of telemedicine but is part of telehealth.
The use of monitoring equipment in a controlled setting, like a hospital or clinic, is known as patient monitoring. In contrast, remote patient monitoring uses equipment that is typically used in a patient’s home.
How does RPM function?
RPM services can vary, from typical RPM using a home hub, to others utilizing the patients mobile phone as their own hub to retrieve data from the patients medical devices. RPM measures a specific aspect of a patient’s vitals and health condition with the help of wireless sensors.
After being sent from the patient to the appropriate RPM platforms of the provider, the collected data is stored and sent to the provider’s central database. Providers can use RPM platforms to gather pertinent patient data, analyze that data, and make treatment recommendations.
Benefits of RPM
One clear benefit of remote patient monitoring is the ability to use technology to consistently monitor and collect patient data outside of a traditional healthcare setting. This is why RPM has so many advantages for healthcare providers, patients, caregivers, and organizations.
Among the most notable advantages of RPM services in the healthcare industry are:
Improved patient self-management and care plan/medication-adherence
Lowered costs for patients and providers
Improved access to healthcare
Enhanced patient engagement
Optimized staff efficiency
Reduced effects of clinical staff shortages
Minimized the spread of hospital-acquired infections
Improved patient experience and satisfaction
Enhanced clinical-patient relationships
RPM Devices
RPM devices are the primary tools that enable healthcare providers to monitor, report, and analyze their patients’ conditions while they are not in a hospital or clinic. They have improved patient self-management and care plan/medication adherence, as well as reduced costs for patients and providers.
They have also increased patient engagement, reduced the spread of hospital-acquired infections, reduced the effects of clinical staff shortages, and improved clinical-patient relationships. Providers can make proactive clinical decisions thanks to RPM devices’ real-time updates on their patients’ status. Additionally, RPM devices enable telehealth patients to engage with and gain a deeper comprehension of their health status on a daily basis, resulting in positive health outcomes that last longer.
Some RPM devices include:
Blood Pressure Cuffs
Glucometer
Pulse Oximeter
Wearable Activity Tracks and Monitors
Thermometer
Scales
Reimbursement
The topic of reimbursement is frequently brought up in RPM discussions and articles. A better understanding of the RPM reimbursement system may encourage healthcare providers to implement an RPM program sooner rather than later.
In short, RPM services can be billed through partnerships with private insurers and Medicare. Wellness Metric has also developed plans to help un-insured and under-insured providers to be able to provide access to underserved populations.
How Patients Benefit from Wellness Metric Telehealth and RPM Solutions
Before healthcare providers can begin offering RPM services, they must first establish a target patient base, select which RPM device(s) to use, set up a patient intake program, create policies and procedures, and train staff.
You can help to simplify the telehealth and RPM implementation process by partnering with Wellness Metric. This will enable your healthcare facility to begin your program as soon as possible.
Join the growing number of healthcare providers who are implementing Wellness Metric solutions to lower healthcare costs, boost patient retention, and improve patient health. Find out how our RPM solutions can help your business cut costs and improve the quality of your healthcare.