Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote Patient Monitoring
Changes to CMS in 2019 now make it easier for physicians to fulfill the requirements for Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM). Medical staff are now able to engage in the collection of data, instead of the physician. This program is compatible with Chronic Care Management and also a valuable addition to help the physician stay informed between patient visits.
Changes to CMS in 2019 now make it easier for physicians to fulfill the requirements for Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM). Medical staff are now able to engage in the collection of data, instead of the physician. This program is compatible with Chronic Care Management and also a valuable addition to help the physician stay informed between patient visits.
RPM is used for patients suffering from multiple conditions that require a higher level of management. Any additional tracking will help keep the patient accountable to their own care as well as alert the physician of any changes in the patient condition.
How Does it Work?
RPM is not a form of telehealth. Instead it constitutes data collection and interpretation without direct communication between the patient and the doctor. Chronic Care Management can be done in conjunction with RPM so long as the minutes counted for each service do not overlap.
Every month, 20 minutes of RPM can be billed for data collection and interpretation. This is billed out on codes 99453, 99454 and 99457 resulting in an average reimbursement of around $123 each month.
Additions to the RPM service can include assistance with patient enrolment, provision of 3 devices to the patient to use for monitoring, patient and medication adherence reminders. Devices supplied can be blood sugar monitors, a blood pressure machine or pulse oximetry as examples. Any electronic device that collects useful data can be used for RPM
The data is shared between the physician and the patient. The value of this program is in the improved accountability and management which results in improved outcomes due to adherence to care plans and medication treatment.
Once enrolled the patient can receive their 3 devices and monitoring and tracking begins. A monthly report is provided to the practice to inform them of all patients who successfully completed 20 minutes of monitoring. The practice then bills CMS.
Both the CCM and RPM programs will aid practices in improving QUM through improved outcomes, thereby increasing overall reimbursements.
Practice Benefits
The physician remains informed on patient progress without the need to contact the patient. Office visits are a higher quality due to the additional information and flow of communication.
Patient Benefits
Improved outcomes due to increased awareness and tracking of their medical condition
How To Get Started
1) Complete a new account form
2) Staff are trained on patient registration or the practice can have the RPM provider do this
3) Patient will receive a letter to inform them of the program
4) Once enrolled, the RPM does all the work
To find out more about how you and your patients can benefit from Remote Patient Monitoring, enter your details below.