Remote Patient Monitoring in Maryland

Remote Patient Monitoring or RPM has become increasingly popular throughout medical offices. RPM involves the use of connected electronic tools to record personal health and medical data in one location that is reviewed by a provider at a different location. Remote patient monitoring is just another subcategory of telehealth that has had surpluses since the Covid-19 pandemic. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about remote patient monitoring. 

What Data Can be Collected With Remote Patient Monitoring?

Common physiological data that can be collected with RPM programs include vital signs, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. Once collected, patient data is sent to a physician’s office by using a special telehealth computer system or software application that can be installed on a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

RPM is often used for patients with chronic pain, post-discharge, or senior care. By connecting patients that are considered high-risk with remote monitoring, it can notify healthcare organizations of potential health issues or keep track of patient data between visits. Even worker’s compensation cases have benefited from using RMP to ensure that the patient is on track t

What Are Some Examples of RPM Technology?

RPM technology can range from handheld medical devices to online platforms that allow patients to input data. A few examples include:

  • Glucose meters for patients with diabetes.

  • Heart rate or blood pressure monitors.

  • Continuous surveillance monitors can locate patients with conditions like dementia and alert healthcare professionals of an event like a fall.

  • Remote infertility treatment and monitoring.

  • At-home tests can keep substance abuse patients accountable for and on track with their goals.

  • Caloric intake or diet logging programs.

What Are The Benefits of Using RPMs?

There are a variety of different benefits of using remote patient monitoring including the following:

  • Increased patient engagement- RPM devices allow patients to play a crucial role in managing and understanding their own health conditions.

  • Improved quality of care- RPM gives patients and healthcare providers access to more relevant patient data, thus improving overall quality and value-based care.

  • Better access to healthcare- Since RPM allows patients to complete basic health testing on their own, healthcare professionals are allowed to treat more patients.

  • Higher levels of education and support- RPM gives patients information and feedback about their personal conditions daily, educating them and providing support.

  • Patient assurance- Constant monitoring can give patients peace of mind that any potential issues will be identified in a timely manner.

How does RPM Technology Work?

While RPM devices can vary in what they measure, most of them have very similar components. The first way the RPM technology works is through a wireless sensor that can measure specific physiological parameters and store the data it collects. This storage must also include a way to connect with additional sensors, healthcare provider databases, and related applications.

The data that is collected by the RPM devices is sent to the proper location and placed in a database of information. This gives healthcare organizations with wireless telecommunications data the ability to look at the data as individual instances or an entire medical history. Most of the time, the device can even alert patients when a healthcare provider has looked over the data or detects an issue that requires the patient to come into the office. 

Remote Patient Monitoring in Maryland

If you have more questions about RPM and your health, please contact us here at Bowie Health. Bowie Internal Medicine is committed to the health and wellness of all.