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Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) services are becoming more popular as an alternative to checking in at a physical office location. In addition, many healthcare providers are turning to outsourcing to handle the demand of their patients. Both of these trends have made it easier for patients to be monitored from afar and for clinicians or clinics with limited time or resources to provide telehealth monitoring services.
Patients who are more mobile, concerned with privacy, or live in a rural location may benefit from a remote monitoring program. Furthermore, patients who have multiple chronic conditions and require frequent medical attention may also benefit from RTM programs. RTM can be used as a supportive tool that helps clinicians track the progress of their patient’s care. While many RTM monitoring programs offer assistance to patients with chronic illnesses, not all insurance companies cover the program or provide reimbursement for services. Some common conditions that may be well suited for remote monitoring include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and asthma, since these diseases can be closely monitored and managed over the phone. Here are some considerations to take into account when using RTM services:
1. Confirm The Insurance Policies
In reality, your insurance plan may not cover the RTM program. Therefore, you need to inquire about the reimbursement policy with the healthcare provider or company that provides the service. Before enrolling in an RTM program, ask questions like the reimbursement policy, how often the healthcare provider wants to be updated on your condition, and what happens if you miss a scheduled phone call.
2. Comfortability & Accessibility Of The Services
Some programs require participants to have a cell phone with internet access or a landline service that uses touch-tone technology. If you don’t feel comfortable giving out this information, then an RTM service may not be the best option for you.
3. Research About The Health Care Provider
Before choosing an RTM program, you should research the organization or healthcare provider to determine whether they have your best interest in mind and provide quality services. For instance, one way to find out if the CoachCare RPM program is right for you is by looking at reviews online of other patients’ experiences with that company. If the program has positive reviews, you can go ahead and hire them.
4. Technology Used
Some companies use a monitoring system that collects and transfers data to a secure server in real-time. In contrast, others download the information onto their computer, which is then uploaded later. The latter can be particularly beneficial for patients with slower internet connections or who want increased security when transferring sensitive medical information.
5. Medical Condition Length
You should also consider the length of your medical condition. Some RTM companies only provide services for a certain length of time, while others offer ongoing monitoring programs that you can enroll in at any time. Also, it is vital to check if the program requires that you take part in an initial assessment or if you are automatically enrolled. Further, you need to inquire if the doctors can access your data in real-time. Doing so can allow physicians to make fast decisions when required, which could be lifesaving if, for example, if your condition changes suddenly and you need urgent medical assessment.
If you decide that an RTM program is right for you, make sure to read all of the enrollment materials provided by your provider beforehand so that you fully understand their regulations. If you have any questions or concerns about the service used by your health care provider, feel free to contact them for more information. It is critical to take the time to understand how your RTM program works so that you can get the most out of it and receive the benefits that it offers.
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