As healthcare organizations shift toward value-based care, minimizing hospital readmissions and controlling costs have become top priorities. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is an essential tool for achieving these goals by providing real-time patient data that providers can use to address symptoms early and avoid hospital readmissions. Let’s explore how to use remote patient monitoring for reducing readmissions in greater detail, and why implementing a turnkey program from RemotePatientPro™ can be such a boon for directors of value-based care.
How RPM Helps Reduce Hospital Readmissions
RPM allows providers to continuously track patient health metrics outside of clinical settings, offering several key advantages.
- Early Intervention: RPM can detect the initial warning signs of deteriorating health better than in-person follow-ups, allowing providers to address these concerns before symptoms worsen.
- Enhanced Chronic Disease Management: Continuous monitoring helps manage chronic illnesses like heart failure, diabetes, and COPD more effectively.
- Improved Patient Compliance: RPM encourages patients to engage with their treatment plans, leading to stronger adherence to medications and lifestyle changes.
- Reduction in Emergency Visits: By providing remote access to care, RPM minimizes the need for unnecessary emergency department visits and readmissions.
Industry Evidence Supporting RPM’s Impact
The American Hospital Association (AHA) has noted how RPM was able to avoid hospital readmissions and improve patient recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. The same applies to current use of this technology, as well as its associated cost savings.
Financial Benefits of RPM for Value-Based Care Organizations
For directors of value-based care organizations, RPM aligns with cost-containment and quality improvement initiatives:
- Lower Readmission Penalties: Under CMS’s Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP), hospitals with high readmission rates face financial penalties in the form of reduced Medicare payments. RPM helps mitigate these risks.
- Reduced Length of Stay: Patients monitored remotely often recover faster at home, reducing the need and associated costs of inpatient care.
- Optimized Resources: RPM allows healthcare teams to prioritize use of their internal resources by focusing on high-risk patients.
- Increased Reimbursement Opportunities: Many payers including Medicare will reimburse for RPM services, making it a financially sustainable option.
Practical Applications of RPM in Value-Based Care
1. Managing Post-Discharge Recovery
RPM can be used to coordinate patient monitoring after an initial hospital discharge to avoid any complications. Alerts can notify providers of negative changes in vitals.
2. Chronic Disease Management
Patients with chronic conditions benefit from RPM tools such as connected glucose monitors and blood pressure cuffs. These devices facilitate ongoing care and reduce the likelihood of hospital readmissions.
3. Virtual Care Coordination
RPM integrates with telehealth platforms, allowing care teams to conduct remote consultations that discuss real-time data. This leads to better coordination between physicians, nurses, and caregivers.
How RemotePatientPro Supports Healthcare Organizations
RemotePatientPro provides comprehensive RPM solutions designed to help value-based care organizations:
- Seamlessly integrate with EHR systems for real-time data access.
- Ensure HIPAA-compliant, secure patient monitoring.
- Offer user-friendly technology that encourages patient adoption.
- Generate automated alerts to prioritize high-risk patients.
The Future of RPM in Value-Based Care
Remote patient monitoring will continue to play a critical role in reducing hospital readmissions and controlling costs. Implementing a turnkey program like ours can offer a powerful solution for value-based care organizations that seek better patient outcomes and financial sustainability.
Ready to explore how RemotePatientPro can benefit your organization? Contact us to discuss a program.
