Remote health monitoring is a revolutionary method for monitoring the health of patients and implementing preventative measures. It involves the use of digital technology that allows healthcare providers to get a more comprehensive view of patients living their normal lives.
While this technology can come in many forms, one example is the use of fitness trackers. Patients can wear one that is linked to their doctor’s remote health monitoring system.
As the tracker collects data about activity, heart rate, and more, that information is transferred to the system. The doctor can then use that information to pinpoint any potential issues and help develop a treatment plan to address them.
Benefits of Remote Health Monitoring
There are many benefits to consider, but some of the top ones include the following:
Provides a Better Understanding of the Patient
Patients can’t always describe what they’re experiencing. And sometimes, they cannot pick up on certain changes in the body. For example, they might not notice a slight elevation in their blood pressure or heart rate. This can make it difficult for the healthcare provider to make a full diagnosis.
With remote health monitoring, however, the information is sent to the provider. If they notice any problems, they can discuss them with the patient. For example, they can say, “I noticed your blood pressure got higher than normal around 4 p.m. yesterday. Do you remember what happened that caused this spike?” Through such a conversation, the doctor and patient can work on a way to prevent that spike from reoccurring.
Cost-Effective for All
With fewer in-person doctor’s visits and effective preventative measures being put in place, remote health monitoring cuts costs for patients, healthcare providers, and insurers. This also means a reduction in tax dollars used to fund Medicaid and other government-provided healthcare without a dip in the quality of care provided.
Allows Care at a Distance
Remote monitoring can prevent the need to go into a doctor’s office. The doctor and patient can engage with one another remotely unless there is any testing or additional care needed. By interacting from a distance, it saves the patient time, helps to minimize the possibility of spreading sickness and disease, and much more.
How Does It Differ From Telehealth?
Telehealth is a version of healthcare through which providers communicate with patients through phone, text message, video, or chat sessions. It is simply a method of care that does not require the doctor and patient to be in the same room.
Remote health monitoring is a form of telehealth, but not all telehealth participants provide remote health monitoring. They will carry out appointments through digital tools but do not use tools to monitor everyday health and fitness factors.
Many providers, however, are beginning to provide a remote patient monitoring telehealth combination approach. Whether you are a provider looking to provide optimal care or a patient seeking the best comprehensive and preventative measures, remote patient monitoring and telehealth can help you meet those goals.
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