Dr. Jennifer Woodward checks on a patient via telemedicine. Photo courtesy of The University of Kansas Health System
NEW YORK, Aug. 23 (UPI) — In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine usage has surged and remote patient monitoring devices have gained popularity as a means of tracking patients’ health from the comfort of their homes.
Remote patient monitoring not only allows clinicians to manage acute and chronic conditions but also reduces patients’ travel costs and risk of infection, according to the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration.
Remote patient monitoring can track various symptoms and conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, weight loss or gain, heart problems, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and asthma.
“The COVID-19 pandemic significantly contributed to the rapid increase in remote patient monitoring, with federal and state flexibilities promoting the widespread use of telehealth services during the public health emergency,” said Bill Paschall, co-chair of the American Telemedicine Association’s remote monitoring special interest group.
Patients utilize devices such as weight scales, pulse oximeters, blood glucose meters, and blood pressure monitors. Some conditions require more complex devices that require patient training, such as monitors for sleep apnea, heart conditions, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and breathing apparatuses.
Rush University System for Health in Chicago recently implemented remote patient monitoring for Medicare and Medicaid patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure, and Type 2 diabetes. Patients in this program receive devices for monitoring, as well as at-home labs, medications, and coaching led by a nurse practitioner-led care team.
Remote patient monitoring is now seen as an essential aspect of healthcare systems. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients appreciate the ability to share information with their doctor and value the regular communication regarding their readings,” said Dr. Michael Cui, an assistant professor in the division of general internal medicine and associate chief medical informatics officer at Rush University System for Health.
The utilization of remote monitoring devices by physicians increased from 12% in 2016 to 30% in 2022, as reported by the American Medical Association.
“Remote patient monitoring is rising as a solution to address the growing aging population and the shortage of healthcare professionals,” said Paschall of the American Telemedicine Association.
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has introduced new billing codes to facilitate payment for remote monitoring services, contributing to its rapid growth.
Remote patient monitoring also proves effective in promoting behavioral changes that lead to improved patient outcomes. “When individuals are aware that their weight is being monitored by a healthcare professional, they tend to make healthier choices regarding their diet and exercise routine,” said Rob Havasy, senior director at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.
Overall, remote patient monitoring offers significant benefits in managing chronic diseases by allowing healthcare providers to intervene before conditions worsen. With advancements in technology and increasing reimbursement availability, remote patient monitoring is becoming an integral part of healthcare systems.
Note: This article was created in collaboration with AI technology.
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