As more and more technologies become available for use within the healthcare industry, the quality of care that patients receive can be increased. As seen throughout history, the introduction of technology into healthcare specifically has opened new doors for the sake of patients. Telemedicine, for example, would’ve never been possible without the integration of technology. In spite of the recent COVID crisis, lack of telemedicine would’ve left a number of chronic illness patients exposed to the virus as a result of their doctor visits. However, with the help of remote patient monitoring, these patients were able to receive quality care from the safety of their homes.
As previously mentioned, telemedicine as a practice has existed for some time. However, the level of care in which this method was able to offer has improved year over year with the help of new technologies. With the help of installed systems, health care professionals are able to collect the data of their patients which allows them to oversee and care for their patients without a physical visit to their facilities. The systems put in place for these patients allow professionals to track the vitals and information necessary to a patient’s health remotely and securely. The information collected is then shipped back to health care professionals and stored securely in their electronic health records.
Remote patient monitoring only stretches so far, though. For example, some of the devices supported throughout this method of care include blood pressure cuffs, blood glucose monitors, spirometers, scales and many more. When patients are given the opportunity to make these products work in their own home, they get a more clear understanding of how they help impact their conditions. Understanding the use of these devices also helps them feel more comfortable when sending the data collected back to their doctors.
While the limitations of COVID-19 ravaged, remote patient monitoring was able to flourish as health care professionals were able to remain in contact with their patients without having to physically see them. Remote care has become as important as it’s ever been and with more and more people continuing to be diagnosed with different chronic conditions, even more care is being required. It’s worth mentioning as well that most peoples’ willingness to visit their doctor or health care providers’ facilities are very low, which lays credence to the number of patients deferring to remote patient monitoring. This isn’t to say visiting actual facilities is less effective, though. It just so happens that remote patient monitoring is effective enough to keep patients out of the doctor’s office unless otherwise necessary.
One more element of the remote patient monitoring experience has made it such a popular alternative, insurance coverage. With more and more insurers welcoming their customers into remote patient monitoring policies, the less customers have to pay out of pocket to continue receiving this level of care. In addition to that, with the grind of physicians increasing as a result of the pandemic, more and more facilities are being overbooked. This is where remote patient monitoring shows its strength, as medical professionals can rest assured their remote patients are still receiving the best care they can offer. Hoping to learn more information regarding remote patient monitoring and how it can benefit you in the short-term? Take a minute to check out the infographic included alongside this post. Courtesy of Pivot Point Consulting.