RPM is the use of digital technologies to monitor and capture medical and other health data from patients and electronically transmit this information to healthcare providers for assessment and, when necessary, recommendations and instructions. RPM allows providers to continue tracking healthcare data for patients once they are discharged. It also encourages patients to take more control of their health.

Remote Patient Monitoring and Chronic Care Management is covered by most major insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid. There are, at times, co-pays associated with insurance billing at any medical office. However, at OCHS we work with ‘Friends of Our Community’ a 501-C that covers co-pays for low to no income patients. We also accept many critically ill patients without insurance that need access to blood pressure devices, glucometers and pulse oximeters.

Individuals who have chronic conditions that can be measured and or improved with medical tools, patient education and with proper monitoring qualify for the program.

Providers can use RPM to collect a range of patient health data, including blood pressure, vital signs, weight, heart rate, blood sugar levels, and physical activity.

Having a PCP is a requirement for being on our monitoring platform. When a patient comes to us without a provider, we make referrals to the physicians in the community. We work directly with your provider team to send them monthly reports of your readings. This allows your PCP to better manage your care plan and assists them with interpreting the best method of care for you overall.

RPM can employ wired or wireless measurement devices. The most common RPM devices are blood pressure monitors, weight scales, cardiac implants, blood glucose meters, and pulse oximeters.

Physicians and other qualified healthcare professionals (QHCPs) can provide and bill for RPM. Clinical staff can furnish and manage RPM under the general supervision of the billing provider.

Any patient. With that said, a provider should only order/prescribe RPM if captured data is directly relevant to managing a patient’s condition(s) (i.e., medical necessity), with such justification documented in the medical record.

RPM provides a wide range of benefits, including the following:

• Keeping people healthy 
• Reducing the number of hospitalizations 
• Reducing readmissions
• Reducing hospital lengths of stay
• Reducing patient, provider, and overall healthcare costs 
• Permitting older and disabled individuals to remain at home longer and delay or avoid moving into skilled nursing facilities

This will largely depend upon the RPM device and how data is transmitted from patient to provider. Some devices require patients to access one or more of the following: Wi-Fi; smartphone (in some instances, newer models); and personal computer. Other devices may only require the device itself. Such devices use cellular data to transmit information.

Depending upon the design and/or complexity of the device, patients may need in-person or virtual assistance to set up and use the technology. 

Where RPM data is stored will depend upon the device. Typically, data is captured and transmitted via a Wi-Fi or cellular network to a central data repository. Types of repositories include an electronic health record (EHR) system or personal health record. 

Older devices often stored the information on the device itself, which then required patients to convey the information to their providers. This type of workflow is no longer considered RPM by Medicare and the vast majority of other payers.

Yes. Patients must provide consent to obtain an RPM device — in writing or verbally. Providers must document consents in patients’ medical records. Medicare allows for informed verbal consent, but other payers may require written.

Common disease states managed by RPM include hypertension, obesity, congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic lower respiratory disease (COPD), and diabetes.

Call 1.866.NOW.OCHS(669.6247) to schedule your virtual appointment.

Yes. OCHS provides daily events in the community for the community. You do not have to a member to attend and benefit from our events that are open to the public. However, OCHS does host many private members only events. We will often distribute member’s only gifts at community events.