Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is rapidly being adopted across the healthcare industry as a new form of healthcare delivery. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors have turned to telemedicine to delivery virtual office visits and are adopting the use of RPM devices to continuously monitor their patients’ chronic health conditions remotely and in a timely mannerly.



What is RPM?

RPM is a digital health solution that captures and records patient physiologic data outside of a traditional health care environment. This is achieved by using connected medical devices, such as glucometers, digital blood pressure cuffs, etc. that allow physicians to monitor symptoms and make treatment changes with real-time information and/or alert patients to take their medications or take a specific course of action based on their diagnosis and care plan. As a result, this tool empowers patients to better manage and become proactively engaged in their healthcare. Its intended use is a supplement for patient care and does not replace an office visit.

RPM’s Effects on Healthcare

  • Providers using RPM-enabled health monitoring systems and other delivery methods can reduce hospital readmissions.
  • Seniors are driving positive ROI from RPM technology and home-based care, primarily due to the cohort's high incidence of multiple chronic diseases. A KLAS Research report surveying 25 healthcare organizations found 38% of healthcare organizations running RPM programs focused on chronic care management reported reduced admissions, while 17% cited cost reductions.
  • Another trend in RPM technology is miniaturization. Device makers are making their solutions smaller and less invasive while partnering with new players to expand their market share.
  • RPM devices are becoming more intelligent and more affordable. They are presenting device manufacturers, who traditionally target hospitals and clinics, with new potential revenue channels as they begin offering their services to consumers.


Main Components of RPM

Figure 1: RPM System Process of an RPM-eligible patient who comes in for a patient visit and needs monitoring for their medical condition. Courtesy of CloudTweaks, https://cloudtweaks.com/2018/09/remote-patient-monitoring-applications/

  • RPM medical device
  • Monitoring platform (i.e., EHR or personal health record)
  • Staff time to educate patients, perform patient setup, and billing.


Benefits of RPM 

 

  • Provides a view of patient care over time.
  • Allows for timely intervention to avoid further exacerbation, ER visits, or hospitalizations.
  • Provides insight and visibility in patient treatment plan compliance.
  • Uses data to develop personalized health plans and engage in collaborative decision-making with patients.
  • Transmits user entry data so clinicians can view data and take appropriate action.
  • Assists in meeting quality metrics.

Commonly used RPM devices

There are several types of RPM medical devices like Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Patient Wearables that are commonly used in practice based on the patient’s diagnosis. 

Implementing RPM into your practice

When considering RPM or any digital health solution, this AMA Remote Patient Monitoring Implementation Playbook provides instruction in evaluating RPM's fit for your practice and patients, how to implement RPM, how to billing for RPM services, etc..

How to choose a vendor

Choosing the right vendor will depend on the functionality your practice needs to facilitate RPM as intended. Utilize a vendor intake form and MGMA checklist for to assist in choosing a vendor.

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