Remote health can seem like a puzzle. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) companies can seem like the puzzle pieces. Each one is shaped differently and offer distinct parts of the solution. Some deliver full-service programs. Others focus solely on software or care services. And some only provide the devices. These offerings may look similar, but they serve very different roles in care delivery.
How do you know which remote patient monitoring company is right for you? If you’re a care delivery organization, you may need an all-in-one partner. If you’re a care management platform, maybe you just need software and devices. But then comes the next layer: Do you want a device company that offers only cellular-enabled devices? Or would you rather have the flexibility to choose between cellular-connected and cellular-enabled options?
It can get complicated…fast. This article breaks down the RPM landscape to help healthcare organizations understand the differences and where to turn for the right support.
Remote Patient Monitoring Companies – Services
The healthcare system is facing myriad challenges, from medical staff shortages to high hospital admission rates. Remote patient monitoring companies offer technological solutions that address many challenges healthcare organizations face today. RPM companies can help enhance patient outcomes with preventive care. Many offer turnkey platforms that streamline workflows from ordering devices through managing RPM billing.
The key responsibilities of remote patient monitoring services companies include:
- Supply patients with FDA-cleared medical devices.
- Facilitate data collection and transmission from devices.
- Analyze patient data, evaluate alerts, and collaborate with clinicians.
- Provide ongoing patient clinical and technical support and education.
- Streamlining billing and reimbursement.
By offering a suite of services, remote patient monitoring services companies can simplify the implementation and management of RPM programs for healthcare providers, so they have more time to focus on delivering high-quality care.
Remote Patient Monitoring Companies – Software
In contrast, some remote patient monitoring companies focus on offering RPM software platforms that enable remote monitoring. The focus is on software that aggregates patient data collection, transmission, and analysis and makes it easy to access and understand in one place.
The key offerings of remote patient monitoring software companies include:
- Robust RPM software platforms that integrate with various devices.
- Advanced data analytics capabilities to identify health trends.
- Intuitive clinician dashboards for easy patient management.
- Integration with telehealth solutions for virtual care delivery.
- Patient-facing tools to promote engagement in self-care.
- EHR integration for seamless patient cae.
This specialized approach allows healthcare providers to leverage RPM within their existing systems and workflows.
Remote Patient Monitoring Companies – Devices
Some remote patient monitoring companies focus on manufacturing and distributing the devices needed for successful RPM programs. These device-centric companies ensure healthcare organizations have access to FDA-cleared medical technologies.
Tenovi simplifies RPM programs for RPM services and software companies in the following ways.
- Device Provisioning: Provides a suite of 40 FDA-cleared medical devices that are accurate, pre-paired, easy to use.
- Cellular-Connected Gateway: Aggregates data from multiple connected devices.
- Data Collection and Transmission: Aggregate data and transmit to the client through the Tenovi Cloud or to Tenovi’s RPM or RTM software platforms.
- Fulfillment: Providers can order from Tenovi’s simple dashboard and send devices directly to remote monitoring patients homes or bulk ship devices to a facility.
- Measurement Adherence: Improve patient adherence to vital sign measurements and medication adherence with the Tenovi red light + green light visual cue systems
- Technical Support: In-house support and HIPAA-compliant ticket system. 1-2 hour response time.
Tenovi enables RPM services and software companies to simplify the implementation and management of RPM programs, allowing them to focus on delivering high-quality care.
Remote Patient Monitoring – Common Devices
Medicare requires remote patient monitoring companies to provide FDA-cleared RPM medical devices in their RPM programs. Below are 7 examples of commonly used RPM devices and how they benefit healthcare providers.
- Remote blood pressure monitors calculate heart rate and blood flow, making them valuable for patients with hypertension. By monitoring blood pressure at home, RPM devices help lower hospital admissions for patients with this prevalent condition.
- Remote glucometers offered through remote patient monitoring companies automatically measure and transmit blood glucose levels with blood glucose meters. Allows regular monitoring to prevent hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
- Remote pulse oximeters are small devices that measure blood oxygen levels by attaching them to a patient’s finger. For patients with respiratory conditions, pulse oximeters enable remote monitoring and timely responses from their care teams.
- Remote patient monitoring scales allow patients to track their weight daily, allowing physicians to closely monitor weight changes that could impact medication dosages or chronic conditions. By identifying trends, RPM scales help providers identify dangerous risk factors before they become emergencies.
- Remote peak flow meters are handheld remote patient monitoring telehealth devices that measure peak expiratory flow using Bluetooth or cellular connections. When patient data is captured on the RPM medical device, it is transmitted securely to a clinician’s software portal. Many RPM devices offer patients easy-to-use tools that help engage active participation in care management.
- Remote patient monitoring thermometers detect a patient’s temperature, an early indicator in conditions such as infections, the flu, and COVID-19. Cellular and Bluetooth thermometers provide accurate readings by scanning the forehead or ear.
- Smartwatches are used with RPM to track heart rate, steps, sleep, and more, providing healthcare providers valuable insights into patients’ daily routines. In addition, wearable RPM devices offer insights into the daily health levels of chronic care patients.
Benefits of Working with Remote Patient Monitoring Companies
Remote patient monitoring companies that offer devices bring numerous benefits to healthcare providers. Many offer user-friendly platforms and easy-to-use and set up devices.. Moreover, some offer analytics tools that enable healthcare providers to manage and analyze patient data and conduct billing efficiently. Remote patient monitoring companies that provide devices offer many benefits to healthcare providers. Here are some benefits:
Revenue Generation
RPM devices provide clinicians with real-time patient data to provide care without in-person visits. In addition, these devices offer a comprehensive view of patient data, facilitating better monitoring of chronic conditions. Physicians can see how a patient progresses on RPM over time. RPM solutions increase billable hours with patient check ins and data analysis. They also reduce patient no-shows, improving overall productivity and giving practices a competitive edge.
Improve Workflow with Less Burnout
A recent AMN Healthcare survey found that 30% of registered nurses are considering leaving nursing. This crisis has been deemed a national emergency by the American Hospital Association as the scarcity of healthcare staff becomes increasingly dire.
Remote patient monitoring companies can help overworked clinicians by reducing the number of in-person patient visits. Streamlining workflows with RPM can combat healthcare staff burnout. Clinicians can focus on high-priority cases and deliver quality care rather than being overwhelmed by a steady influx of patients.
This shift can increase job satisfaction, improve work-life balance, and keep valuable healthcare personnel. Implementing a robust RPM program, supported by suitable devices and service partners, can optimize operations and support the well-being of their clinical staff. That can be a critical step in addressing the nationwide shortage of healthcare workers.
Access to Quality Medical Care
With the widespread adoption of telehealth and RPM, medical care is becoming more accessible in rural areas. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) offers various grant programs to fund rural telehealth projects. These programs prioritize the enhancement of healthcare services, the expansion of access, and the advancement of telehealth services in rural communities. The HRSA’s commitment to supporting and promoting telehealth initiatives in rural areas underscores the significant role RPM plays in bridging gaps in healthcare accessibility.
Understanding Remote Patient Monitoring Companies
When evaluating remote patient monitoring companies, it’s crucial to understand the devices they offer and how they align with patient needs. Tenovi, a leading RPM device and solution provider, guides the selection and management of devices, software and care services, ensuring they meet your organizational requirements.
Remote patient monitoring companies help improve healthcare delivery, patient outcomes and enhance provider efficiency. By carefully selecting suitable RPM devices and partners, healthcare organizations can deliver comprehensive, accessible, and convenient care to patients in the comfort of their homes.
Discover the power of Tenovi FDA-cleared remote patient monitoring devices and remote patient monitoring data aggregation solutions. Book a consultation and free demo today.
