Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is a type of patient care that involves using technology to remotely monitor patients with no office visits. This monitoring, which typically takes place at the patient’s home, provides doctors with a more comprehensive picture of the patient’s condition- particularly when compared to semi-annually or annually readings of vitals. While this method of patient care has been catapulted recently to the forefront because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, many doctors may still wonder what makes for an ideal RPM candidate. For the right candidate, RPM can help them combat their chronic diseases by providing more information for their doctors.
Chronic conditions – are more common than you think
According to the CDC.gov website, a chronic condition or disease is defined as “conditions that last one year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living, or both.” The website also points out that, in the United States, six in ten adults (60%) have a chronic condition, and four in ten adults (40%) have two or more chronic conditions. While the CDC highlights conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, chronic lung or kidney disease, the most common chronic diseases are diabetes, heart disease, and stroke , and several others. The Medek RPM website provides a comprehensive list of current chronic conditions that may qualify someone for Remote Patient Monitoring. The list continues to grow, and additional illnesses and conditions are being added. Ultimately, as long as the patient is over the age of 18+ and battling a condition for a year or more, they can qualify for Remote Patient Monitoring.
Technology hesitations are real
While one may not think twice about handing a piece of technology to an 18-year-old to monitor their chronic condition, there may be some hesitations when considering an older, less technologically savvy patient for the same program. However, believe it or not, any chronically ill patient- regardless of their ability to navigate technology-can be monitored remotely, safely and effectively..
The FDA-approved technology used by Medek Health has been selected for its ease of use and does not require any additional apps or connections for successful monitoring. Our team of Care Coordinators works closely with each patient to ensure they are comfortable with the monitoring of technology.
Your weapon for battling chronic disease
Often, as a doctor, rely on your patient for the lion’s share of information on their condition. While running tests can help provide some insights, more often than not, the responsibility falls onto the patient to fill in the blanks between visits to your office. What if there was a way for you to get information as often as you need (whether that be daily, semi-weekly, weekly, etc.)? What if there was a way for that information to be facts, figures, and numbers – rather than anecdotal details from your patient? What if, once you receive this information, you could get a better understanding of your patient’s condition- so much so that you can treat an issue before it becomes a complaint of the patient? Enter Remote Patient Monitoring.
Having the ability to gather data from your patient regularly, from the comfort of their own home , and being able to review and analyze that data regularly, are all benefits of Remote Patient Monitoring. You can remove the stressful environment of the doctor’s office or hospital, along with the expense and travel challenges. You are giving yourself a powerful weapon in the battle against these chronic conditions. Rather than a reactive response following a patient complaint, you can become more proactive in your patient’s care.
Questions? We’ve got answers!
As a doctor, you know your patients are all different – even those who may share the same diagnosis. So, while it may *seem* that your patient or patients may qualify for Remote Patient Monitoring, you still have questions. Not to worry! Our team is ready and able to ease any concerns you may have about adding Remote Patient Monitoring to your practice. Who is the ideal candidate for RPM? With Medek’s experience and expertise, we can help you find all the candidates your practice has that can benefit from RPM. Contact us today!
