Remote patient monitoring: The tools, methods, and advantages for healthcare providers

What is RPM or remote patient monitoring

One way to monitor a patient’s vitals while they’re not in the hospital is via remote patient monitoring. Telemedicine’s RPM delivery mechanism lets patients and clinicians communicate electronically.

What are RPM devices

Digital blood pressure monitors that allow patients to transmit their readings remotely are common examples of remote health monitoring devices. Diabetes patients can use a continuous glucose monitor to remember to take their insulin while their doctor monitors their disease.

How does a system for remotely monitoring patients function

RPM services, which are unique among telehealth delivery techniques, do not require patients to be in rural regions or have interactive audio video and virtual visits. All that’s needed is technology that can gather and interpret physiological data. Medicare pays for RPM services as it pays for in-person clinical services; there are no extra rules about who may utilize them or where they must begin treatment. RPM systems can save money by preventing more serious and costly health issues. 

Statistics and trends in the RPM market

RPM-enabled home health monitoring devices are helping providers reduce hospital readmission fines. By giving patients tablets and RPM equipment, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reduced hospital readmissions by 76% and maintained patient satisfaction above 90%.

The increased frequency of numerous chronic conditions among seniors is a major factor driving the positive return on investment (ROI) from RPM technology and home-based care. According to a KLAS Research report, in a study of 25 healthcare companies, 38% of those who implemented RPM programs for chronic care management saw a decrease in admissions, and 17% saw a decrease in costs.

The next trend is reducing the size of RPM devices. Device producers are developing smaller, less intrusive solutions and forming partnerships with new companies to increase their market share. Take Dexcom’s new implanted diabetes sensor as an example. It collaborates with Verily, Alphabet’s life sciences subsidiary, to communicate health data via Bluetooth to monitoring devices or cell phones. Speaking of, Langate has 20 years of healthcare tech experience. Contact them if you need remote patient monitoring system developers.

Conclusion

Healthcare organizations that adopt this technology will be well-placed to deliver better results for patients while also reducing overall costs. The trend is towards smaller, more discreet RPM devices. This improves the patient experience and makes it easier for people to use the technology. Remote patient monitoring represents a big change in how healthcare is provided and empowers both healthcare providers and patients.