Years back when technology was sprouting within the hands of scientists, the healthcare sector was one of the units asking for some reinforcements. Any disease chronic or acute was measured on the same scale which led to numerous deaths. This is when Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) came into existence. In May 1961, the technology was first released into genuine working. Since then, the healthcare industry never looked back and growing like mushrooms. Therefore, our team of VCDoctor has shared an account on “Why is Remote Patient Monitoring Important?”

But as well all know “what’s inside the book?” is always shown on the index. Similarly, the healthcare industry’s future is better ratified by going through the associated terms. That’s when one can stand on the right or wrong side of rpm in the healthcare system.

What is Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) System?

Remote Patient Monitoring is abbreviated as RPM. It is a mechanism that can administer chronic as well as accrue medical conditions of the patients remotely. It securely accumulates data and exchanges patient information electronically. It enables the physician to get access to the Patient Health Information (PHI) being at any part of the world. Simultaneously, the patients can avail themselves concerned cures at their homes, work-places, or during their vacations.

Many experts, taking an account of this technology from digital health solutions has forecasted some statistics:

Attributes

Details

Market size evaluated in 2020

USD 956.46 Million

Market size valued in 2021

USD 1.2 Billion

Revenue estimated in 2028

USD 4.1 Billion

RPM Growth Rate

CAGR of 19.7% from 2021 to 2028

Also Read: The Role of Electronic Medical Records in Telehealth

What Are the Remote Patient Monitoring Devices?

Remote treatments rely on some devices which collect precise PHI. This is enabled through monitoring devices like:

• Glucose meter for diabetes management
• Heart rate monitor for administering congestive heart failure.
• BP cuffs for analyzing Blood Pressure levels.
• Oximeter for detecting the blood oxygen levels
• Continuous dementia surveillance monitors
• Calorie logging programs
• Exercise logging programs
• Musculoskeletal risk stratification software
• Grip strength sensors to manage Parkinson’s disease, etc.

Who Qualifies for Remote Patient Monitoring?

There are no such plans or qualification criteria for getting the RPM services. Any patient can seek remote patient monitoring. It depends upon some of the conditions like –

• Internet connectivity in the area
• Disease type (acute or chronic)
• Acute or with less problematic conditions can get RPM
• Physician’s interest in treatment, etc.

Generally, remote patient monitoring is offered to patients like COVID-19 positive, patients with acute medical conditions, people from far-flung areas, etc. People who are diagnosed with severe medical conditions asked to immediately seek a physician are not allowed to avail RPM.

Is Remote Patient Monitoring Important?

RPM Software picks the patient health information (PHI) and gives doctors at their fingertips. The data is available 24*7 to the physician and patient. Simultaneously, it enables healthcare providers to offer high-quality treatment and diagnosis services.

Many people who seek RPM want to be acquainted with its importance and why it is popular. The few pointers below will describe the significance of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM).

1. Access to Care

Many people find it troublesome for getting a doctor’s appointment. It needs a full day sometimes and an off from work. Remote patient monitoring allows one to get an appointment instantly within a few taps. It offers patients the freedom to get medical assistance at any time. Moreover, the physician enjoys the freedom to treat any patient in their spare time.

2. Quality of Care

It is always understood the work done in a free mental state brings more productivity than in a puzzled mind. Hence, the approach comes for the doctors when treating multiple patients at a time. RPM software allows any physician to check PHI at any time. This brings more focus on the medical aspect and brings 100% satisfactory medications.

3. Patient’s Engagement

RPM only gives its sustainability when utilized by the patient. For self-monitoring and check on an individual’s health, it is rudimentary that the patient acknowledges the software. Sometimes, checking on some other patient’s health dealing with the same disease can let others get involved.

4. Patient Education

Patient’s education on any point of health is the crucial term for them to understand. Either it is a severe medical state or a normal one, information about the diagnosis, cure, treatment, and after-treatment precautions is necessary. Simultaneously, it gives more engagement towards the software.

What Are the Benefits of Remote Patient Monitoring?

Any software in the healthcare industry gives numerous benefits if implemented correctly. By implementations, we mean both physicians and patients can access the RPM System more precisely. After using it for a while, both of the sides start generating a few benefits like:

• ICCM (Improved Chronic Condition Management)
• Cope-up with Readmissions
• Boosting Revenues
• Very Economic
• Smooth Working
• 24*7 Support

1. ICCM (Improved Chronic Condition Management)

Chronic conditions are something where the patient seeks instant medical assistance. Such conditions in the US account for around 90% of healthcare costs. Remote patient monitoring gives an analysis of the medical state that eventually pings the physician to talk about the future medical synopsis.

2. Cope-Up With Readmissions

The very big outcome that has been addressed with RPM solutions is “Reduced Re-admissions”. The big block in the success was the patient’s re-admissions. This has been decreased like anything because the software is designed to give a 360 Degree approach to patient’s health. The patient can also get an account of their routine health statistics like BP, Sugar, and other conditions.

3. Boosting Revenues

It enhances the revenue stream of doctors due to the 99457 and 99458 CPT codes. This gives reimbursement facilities for time spent on working like remote care involving reviewing patient’s health. The data are stored and collected on a very large scale and deliberate actions lead to earning revenue.

4. Very Economic

From the patient’s side, consultation fees, traveling allowances, normal check-ups, and test fees, etc. are completely saved. Now users can directly approach the doctor, get access to the medical state directly, and can invest the saved money on the respective health disorders. This brings flexibility to healthcare operations. People who are not financially stable can also get the best treatments from the Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Tool.

5. Smooth Working

It gives both doctors and patient’s a nap to administered the health properly. Doctors being able to access the PHI anytime can better focus on the cure. Simultaneously, the patient is at home, work, or any other place can get treatment and rest assured for the money or related expense as well.

This encourages more patient engagement, smooth workflows for the physicians, and more transparency between the two i.e. Patient & Doctors. Moreover, if a patient is required to give a visit to the hospital then he/she is requested to do so in their free time.

6. 24*7 Support

When patients are guided on how to utilize the device, they can rest assured that someone is always willing to give technical support. It brings reliability towards the physician or team and towards the software itself. Hence, for any patient who is seeking help on accessing any section of the software or needs some help, the software allows them to do so easily.

Also Read: Difference between Telehealth and Telemedicine

Why is it important to be aware of Telemedicine?

A major segment that comes along with the term RPM is Telemedicine. Remote patient monitoring is a subsidiary unit of Telemedicine. The best platform offering Telemedicine with HIPAA Compliance is VCDoctor. This facility since the previous year has become a pivotal need. Why? Let us understand through these pointers:

1. Protection to Physician & Patients

Telemedicine is a platform that delivers remote patient healthcare. In the course of Curfews and Lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it becomes to stay secure. Telemedicine allows remote healthcare that eventually saves both doctors and patients to get in contact. This reduces life threats from infections, pandemics, etc.

2. Radiologist can Read From Anywhere through Remote Patient Monitoring

The healthcare sector not only in the Radiology department but in other units too has seen the working due to COVID-19. It has changed the thing totally that impacted the working of Radiologists. Now, these radiologists are offered work-from-home by taking their technologies with them. One more addition to their technical aspect becomes Telemedicine. This has enabled them to access or read the reports from any corner of the world.

3. Offers Vacant Beds & Services Using Remote Patient Monitoring Software

Patients being treated via Telemedicine gives an additional kick to the hospitals in serving vacant beds to the deserving patients. Simultaneously, in the light of this infectious disease when ventilators, ICUs are full of patients, Medical services are being distributed evenly to the deserving patients.

On the Whole:

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is bringing sustainability to the working of doctors and the treatment of the patients. People have become more cautious about their healths when accessing the RPM software. Moreover, Telemedicine has engaged more patients and physicians to offer and get healthcare remotely for more secure living.