The Benefits of Remote Patient Monitoring
As you can see, using a remote patient monitoring tool can have many benefits for hospitals and patients alike. It can cut down doctor’s office visits, improve patient care, and expand access to care. However, there are a few things to know about this new tool. This article will briefly cover some of the most important features and benefits of remote patient monitoring. You should also be aware of the challenges it may present.
Reduces doctor’s office visits
New technology is poised to relieve doctors of the pressure of managing chronic illnesses and diseases by reducing office visits. Remote patient monitoring helps to improve compliance with care plans and expand the functionality of Care Management tools. In addition to reducing doctor’s office visits, remote patient monitoring helps nurture patient-provider relationships by increasing the frequency and quality of communication. As a result, it helps to reduce physician burnout while simultaneously providing better patient care.
A remote patient monitoring tool may be set up by a doctor’s office or a healthcare provider, depending on the device used. Some may opt to ship the device to a patient, while others may prefer to provide it to the patient. It is important to find an RPM program with easy-to-follow instructions and troubleshooting information. These tools help prevent doctor’s office visits by providing real-time data on the patient’s condition.
A remote patient monitoring tool is a digital technology that collects and transmits secure health data from patients. Using remote patient monitoring tools can help healthcare providers better manage chronic conditions and prevent unnecessary exposures to infectious diseases. The technology also makes it possible to connect with patients in remote areas or those who are chronically ill or pregnant. Remote patient monitoring is a win-win for all parties involved. Once installed, a remote patient monitoring system can help a physician avoid countless office visits.
Expands access to care
The use of remote patient monitoring technology helps physicians monitor patients remotely, which frees clinicians to focus on other tasks and educate patients about their chronic conditions. In addition to reducing office visits, remote patient monitoring can help physicians improve treatment efficacy. These benefits also make remote monitoring a crucial tool for successful Care Management. By using remote monitoring tools, physicians can cultivate patient-provider relationships and provide more effective, relaxed care.
Although a remote patient monitoring tool can improve access to care for patients, it is not reimbursed by Medicare. Nevertheless, the benefits of remote patient monitoring are numerous, including improved quality of care, lower cost, and increased patient satisfaction. However, the benefits of using remote monitoring tools are also not limited to patients with chronic conditions. These technologies also benefit other stakeholders, such as caregivers, family members, and patients with special needs.
CMS recently released an interim rule that expands access to care when using a remote health monitoring tool. The rule also makes it easier to bill for remote monitoring tools for services. Telehealth services are now available to Medicare patients through federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics. As long as the RHC or FQHC has audio-video telehealth capabilities, they can offer telehealth services to Medicare patients. The reimbursement rate for distant site telehealth services is $92 per patient.
Supports patient-centered care
Using a remote patient monitoring tool can help ease the financial burden on patients. The cost of prescriptions, co-pays, and emergency room visits can pile up quickly. Ultimately, these costs can add substantial losses in lost work hours and earnings. Using a remote monitoring tool allows patients to avoid costly hospital stays and co-pays by generating their data and sharing it with their caregivers.
Remote patient monitoring allows patients to monitor their health data from home comfort. With remote patient monitoring, patients can access their vital signs and health education materials. Knowledgeable patients are more likely to have good health outcomes. In addition, convenient access to health education materials can improve engagement. RPM tools also benefit clinicians. They can more easily prioritize patient care and triage patients based on their current health status. Additionally, many RPM tools integrate with an EMR, minimizing duplicative documentation.
With remote patient monitoring, patients can keep track of vital signs, communicate with clinicians, and read helpful resources. As a result, it is beneficial for improving chronic disease management and reducing hospitalization costs. Additionally, remote care is popular among patients. A recent Accenture survey showed that 60 percent of patients wanted to use remote care technology more often. But before investing in remote patient monitoring tools, make sure they’re user-friendly.
