The COVID-19 pandemic created a sudden surge in demand for telemedicine, and healthcare providers scrambled to treat and monitor patients in safer, more accessible ways. After nearly two years of adoption and innovation, the data is in.
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) outcomes are wide-reaching with proven value for both patients and providers:
Even before pandemic restrictions and reduced access, in-person visits were a barrier to long-term chronic care management. Telehealth visits increased accessibility and unlocked more flexible scheduling options without additional time spent driving or in the waiting room.
Remote monitoring simplifies the care process even further. Effective RPM allows patients and providers to stay connected and engaged over time with more consistent check-ins and fewer unnecessary visits. Tracking vitals at home between appointments also provides a more complete picture for physicians to identify abnormal results even faster.
Additionally, historically underserved communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color, are significantly more likely to utilize telemedicine services, according to a 2020 Pew Study. This data suggests that telehealth programs unlock more equitable access to high-quality care, in addition to matching new consumer preferences.
Before remote monitoring, healthcare providers had to rely on self-reporting about the past. Virtual case management reduces the risk of forgetfulness, incomplete data, and bias – like when patients tell doctors what they think they want to hear.
Remote monitoring results help physicians track or tweak treatment plans, and it’s an effective tool to measure patient adherence.
Plus, RPM gives patients the tools to better understand their conditions, monitor progress, and advocate for their health. The American Heart Association found that RPM data is especially beneficial for developing personalized care plans and engaging patients in joint decision-making.
3. Increased Health Data
Modern telemedicine devices simplify data capture, storage, and sharing. Remote patient monitoring is a subset of telehealth, and it goes beyond a single video call or the occasional asynchronous check-in. Effective RPM programs combine at-home health tracking with increased access to virtual care.
By integrating technology into the treatment plan, patients can generate more high-value data – both in terms of quantity and accuracy. In fact, emerging RPM devices can even be implanted for continuous monitoring. This early detection technology can instantly pinpoint health changes, often before physical symptoms arise. It also removes the subjective burden of self-reporting.
Of course, accurate testing is essential, and patients must be educated about how to use the device and digital healthcare platform, not only about their specific health condition.
4. Lower Healthcare Costs
As reported by the American Heart Association, chronic disease management accounts for nearly 90% of all healthcare spending in the United States, and it’s the leading cause of hospital admissions.
Virtual case management is an effective way to avoid admission and re-admission by up to 40%, according to the Veterans Health Administration. The VHA also found that proactive remote care reduces the risk of complications and associated costs, including additional procedures, testing, and medication – totaling approximately $6,500 per patient.
With the right RPM platform, physicians can increase revenue and reduce costs for patients.
Fill the gaps and invest in better outcomes for everyone with the WelbyCare Platform – and access a remote patient monitoring system with certified case managers and licensed RNs on staff utilizing NCQA-care guidelines.
