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How To Build Well-Rounded Team For Your RPM Program

6 min read

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) programs are beneficial for both patients and medical practices. But an RPM initiative’s success depends on the people behind the program. In this article, we look at why RPM programs have become so popular and the roles and responsibilities of an RPM team. To close, we share five easy-to-implement strategies for creating a strong RPM program.

Why RPM is Growing

The adoption rate of remote patient monitoring has grown dramatically in recent years. According to Insider Intelligence, 30 million patients in the U.S. will be using at least one RPM device by 2024. Here are six significant catalysts driving the rapid adoption rates of RPM technology.

COVID-19 pandemic

With much of the country brought to a standstill, the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly accelerated already emerging trends in virtual care. More insurers began covering telehealth services, dramatically increasing adoption. Remote patient monitoring devices allow medical professionals to monitor their patients’ key health metrics without having them come into the office, making RPM a significant value-add to a practice’s telehealth services.

Increase in chronic conditions such as diabetes

As the rates of long-term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity continue to rise in the U.S., remote patient monitoring devices empower patients and providers. RPM devices actively monitor key health metrics like blood pressure and weight, and the devices can be set to send data to the patient’s physician. These capabilities give patients and providers the longitudinal information they need to make changes that improve health outcomes.

Convenience

Work, family, and other obligations can quickly crowd out a schedule. RPM devices make it easy for patients to quickly take vital measures like blood pressure and weight. These measures can be automatically transmitted to the healthcare provider via cellular, WiFi, or Bluetooth connection and are instantly accessible to the patient via an easy-to-use mobile app.

Higher levels of patient care

Remote patient monitoring devices enable more frequent health measurements. With access to near real-time health data and the ability to observe historical trends in this data, healthcare providers can make better-informed care recommendations and treatment decisions.

Expand care to more diverse patient groups

For many patients, work schedules, child care or eldercare obligations, distance, or lack of reliable transportation are formidable barriers to receiving care. Low income, elderly, and patients living in underserved or rural areas can receive outsized benefits from participating in a remote patient monitoring program since it can reduce the number of office visits needed.

New revenue streams for healthcare practices

Because many RPM services are billable, RPM programs are a source of additional revenue, allowing practices to tap into new revenue streams that can improve overall profitability.

Key RPM Program Team Members

Building a strong, sustainable remote patient monitoring program requires teamwork and a shared vision. The following team members form the core of a successful remote patient monitoring program.

Top-level management

Beginning any new initiative requires the strong support and buy-in of top-level management. Healthcare executives play a key role in securing funding and staff resources, as well as providing the long-range vision needed to set a new remote patient monitoring program on a secure footing.

Physicians

Physicians can reap substantial benefits from using remote patient monitoring technology with their patients. With a wealth of patient health data, providers can make better-informed treatment decisions. Educating providers on benefits, obtaining their buy-in, and offering focused training on how to access remote patient monitoring data are essential for success.

IT support

The support of the IT department is crucial for ensuring that the technical aspects of creating and running a remote patient monitoring program are executed. Some remote patient monitoring providers like Withings Health Solutions handle most of the IT-related setup, freeing your tech support staff to focus their efforts elsewhere.

Patient navigator

Patient navigators help patients access and use their devices, troubleshooting issues that prevent them from making the most out of participating in a remote patient monitoring program. These staff members are one of the most critical components, providing front-line support and encouragement to patients as they become familiar with their new devices. Some connected devices, like those Withings Health Solutions offers, are intuitive and easy to use, making the jobs of patient navigators much simpler.

Digital health staff trainer

Staff trainers are responsible for training physicians and other practice staff involved in the program’s administration. Key topics for training include how to access and interpret patient data via the physician data dashboard and the correct use of RPM billing codes for payer reimbursement.

Medical billing representative

Medicare and many private insurers will pay for certain patient services provided via remote patient monitoring programs. Remote patient monitoring programs have their own unique set of billing codes, and the medical billing representative will ensure that the correct codes are being used on all claims filed.

Program coordinator

The remote patient monitoring program coordinator is responsible for overseeing the overall health of the program, managing the interactions between team members, troubleshooting patient and provider issues, and assessing program success based on predefined goals.

5 Tips for creating a stronger, more sustainable RPM program

Remote patient monitoring programs require careful planning and diligent follow-through during implementation in order for patients, providers, and practices to realize the full range of potential benefits this technology has to offer. These five tips can help you and the patients you serve get the most out of remote patient monitoring.

Clarify RPM program goals

First, defining what expect your remote patient monitoring program to accomplish. Clear goals not only sharpen the team’s focus but provide an objective set of criteria with which to measure program success.

Quantify expected cost/revenue metrics

Remote patient monitoring programs must be financially sustainable. Quantifying anticipated program costs and revenue enables teams to determine expected ROI. These metrics can justify the time and capital investments required for a successful launch. RPM can reduce overall costs, as it enables physicians to take preventative measurements before a condition becomes severe.

Engage the support of internal stakeholders

Top-level management, providers, and office support staff all have an important role to play in the success of a remote patient monitoring program. Gaining their support upfront is critical. If stakeholders aren’t engaged, program performance will suffer.

Invest the resources needed for program success

Engaging key personnel is an essential ingredient for ensuring long-term success, so additional staff members may need to be hired. Dedicating a program manager to oversee the effort ensures program continuity and provides a single point of contact for other team members when issues arise. Patient navigators are front-line workers who ensure patients are familiar with their devices and responsible for removing barriers to consistent use. Fortunately, the cost of hiring may be offset by billing and reimbursement for RPM services and/or lowered costs if the practice is part of a value-based care system.

Select a high-quality RPM provider to partner with

Some remote patient monitoring providers are better than others. Invest the time to research each potential partner, ensuring they offer higher quality, patient-friendly devices that are easy to use, an intuitive patient-facing health data app, and a streamlined practice-level program dashboard. The ideal RPM provider will have substantial industry experience and a track record of providing superior customer service.

Withings Health Solutions and Withings RPM: an All-in-One RPM Solution

Withings Health Solutions is committed to transforming the lives of healthcare consumers and professionals through beautifully simple monitoring solutions. Here’s how we make implementing a successful remote patient monitoring program seamlessly simple.

Effortless onboarding — Onboard your patients directly from the platform in 3 minutes or less.

Time-efficient monitoring — You’ll appreciate the one-click patient triaging through standard alerts and measurement plans.

Automatic time logging — Time spent taking care of your patients (when reviewing their charts or calling them) is automatically documented to streamline claim creation while maximizing revenue. Time spent outside the platform can easily be manually logged as well.

Optimized billing — In real-time, assess how much a CPT code can be billed and identify which patients to focus on. At the end of the month, generate comprehensive reports in one click to create claims including the CMS1500 information required for the billing.

Program dashboard — Manage your practice at a glance. A comprehensive dashboard allows care teams to view patients’ status, take action based on patient vitals and treatment plans, and easily bill for care rendered.

Patient application — The patient application allows the patient to visualize their measurements history, progress, and measurements objective. Login is simple and doesn’t require any signup or app download.

EHR integration — Withings RPM integrates with virtually every EHR to improve each step of the clinical workflow from device ordering to billing.

Learn more about Withings Health Solutions for remote patient monitoring.

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Transforming Obesity Treatment with GLP-1s for Older Adults

A recent survey conducted by Gallup reported that perceived effectiveness of weight loss injections are relatively consistent among younger and middle-aged adults, with 70% of those aged 18 to 49 and 67% of those aged 50 to 64 reporting them as effective or extremely effective. Among adults aged 65 and older, however, reported effectiveness is much lower, at 48%. 

 

Older adults often face more health issues or comorbidities, which can make it challenging for them to lose weight and adhere consistently to their treatment plans. Additionally, healthcare providers may encounter greater difficulties in keeping older adults engaged and motivated throughout their weight loss journey.

 

This age-related disparity points to the need for more tailored treatment plans, closer monitoring of the patient’s day to day health metrics, and additional research to better understand the overall effectiveness of GLP-1 medication to treat obesity in older adults

Mitigating medication risk with remote health tech

One approach to addressing these challenges is the integration of digital care solutions, which can offer greater protection for older patients. By utilizing remote monitoring technologies, healthcare providers can track vital health metrics in real-time, allowing for prompt adjustments to treatment plans as needed. These tools can also facilitate regular communication between patients and providers, ensuring that any concerns or side effects are quickly addressed, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness and safety of the treatment.


With connected health devices that collect patient-generated data on a daily basis, care teams can have more insight into health risks that older patients are more susceptible to when taking GLP-1s:

 

  • Sarcopenia: About a quarter of GLP-1 agonist weight loss results from the loss of muscle and bone, both of which are necessary to protect us as we get older. Although some muscle loss is a natural part of aging, it accelerates while on GLP-1s. Weakened muscles can make everyday activities difficult, and can lead to falls or other injuries. Low muscle mass is also associated with poor health outcomes — researchers found that individuals with diabetes and low muscle mass have a higher risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease.
  • Malnutrition: Although suppression of appetite is a key mechanism of GLP-1 medications, too much appetite control can be dangerous, particularly in older adults who are more prone to having reduced food intake. Studies have found diminished appetite is a common problem for older adults — both those living at home and at care facilities. Early insight into a patient’s weight and body composition can help care teams intervene earlier to promote better appetite and food intake. Low muscle mass further compounds the risk of malnutrition. A study led by the Center for Translational Research in Aging & Longevity at Texas A&M University found that current care approaches for malnutrition often don’t account for the importance of muscle mass restoration. Researchers recognized the challenge of measuring body composition in clinical practice, noting “the need to raise awareness of the importance of screening and managing ‘at risk’ patients so it becomes routine is imperative for change to occur.”
  • Gastrointestinal side effects: Severe gastrointestinal side effects from these medications can result in dehydration, which may increase the likelihood of falls. The most commonly reported side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and nausea. When dehydration occurs, individuals are more prone to dizziness or fainting, raising the risk of falling. For older adults a fall could be the start of serious health issues and can even lead to a long-term disability. It is essential to ensure that older adults taking weight loss medications can monitor their hydration levels on a daily basis.

Daily monitoring of lean mass, water percentage and bones mass

With the Withings Body Pro 2 cellular scale, patients can weigh in each day at home and their body composition information will transmit to their care team automatically. This scale was designed for maximum ease of use, making it ideal for older patients who may not be tech savvy — there's no technical setup required, and patients can use it even if they don’t have a cell phone or internet service.

 

Daily lean mass, fat mass, water percentage and bone mass metrics provide early insight into which patients are struggling with muscle loss or malnutrition. With this data teams can more quickly identify problems and reach out to those in need. For instance, encouraging patients to increase protein in their diet, drink more water, and do light strength training may help stave off serious health issues. 

Motivating and connecting

According to the Pew Research Center, about 27 percent of American seniors live alone. This puts them at higher risk of social isolation, which can affect their well-being and increase their risk of health problems.
Beyond measuring body composition, the Body Pro 2 scale can deliver motivational messages to patients automatically. These messages might offer encouragement to keep walking regularly, take their readings more consistently, remind them of upcoming appointments or congratulate them for reaching a personal health goal.

Prioritizing a personalized approach

Safely prescribing GLP-1 medications for older adults requires a multifaceted approach that combines the integration of connected health devices, closer monitoring of patient body composition, and consistent patient motivation.

 

These technologies not only enhance the safety and effectiveness of weight loss treatments but also provide motivational support to help older patients stay engaged and connected. By addressing the unique challenges faced by older adults, healthcare providers improve the success of their program.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is informational and for content marketing purposes only. It should not be construed as medical advice. The content herein is not intended to replace professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. We expressly recommend that individuals seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before considering the use of GLP-1 medications for the treatment of obesity or any other condition.

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When the world’s leading clinicians and researchers gather later this month in Orlando, Florida at ADA’s 84th Scientific Sessions, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic foot ulcer prevention will be spotlighted. Withings devices have been used in a number of major neuropathy and DFU prevention studies being presented at ADA’s Scientific Sessions as well as other diabetes and neurology conferences this year.

 

Of note at Scientific Sessions will be the release of findings of the longitudinal study “Combined DPNCheck and SUDOSCAN as a Screening Tool for DPN—The Sheffield Prospective Study.” The results will be shared at 1:15 p.m. EDT in Room W307 immediately following the ADA President’s Select Abstract Presentation. Mohummad Shaan Goonoo of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and NHS Foundation Trust is scheduled to share the clinical findings.

 

In addition, Philippe Brunswick, Ph.D. will be presenting a poster at Scientific Sessions on Saturday, June 22 at 12:30 pm in Poster Hall West A4-B2 entitled “Improving Diabetic Foot Ulcer Management with Electrochemical Skin Conductance [Board No. 1803].” Attendees are invited to join Philippe and discuss the results and implications in a small-group setting.

 

Finally, Withings will be hosting a breakfast for diabetes influencers at 7:00 am EDT on Saturday, June 22 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando hotel next door to the convention center. Participants will be able to dig deeper on the breaking research that will have been presented as well as to experience the Body Pro 2 smart scale for the first time. If you are interested in attending the breakfast, please find more information here.

Interested in partnering with us?

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Withings remote patient monitoring devices will be used by The Strelitz Diabetes Center at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) in a multi-year ADA-funded study to investigate the efficacy of a culturally-sensitive nutrition program to prevent Type 2 diabetes in African Americans. We interviewed Dr. Henri Parson (EVMS) who is leading the clinical trial, and her co-investigator Ann-Marie Stephens, co-founder of WelFore Health, who is developing the nutritional program and accompanying app, to learn more. 

 

It is well established that the African American population is disproportionately affected by diabetes. The Office of Minority Health at the US Department of Health and Human Services reports that African Americans are: 

 

  • 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes (1)
  • 2.5 times more likely to be hospitalized with long-term diabetes (2) complications.
  • Twice as likely to die from diabetes as Non-Hispanic Whites (3) 

The EVMS study will follow 160-180 African American adults who are pre-diabetic or at risk of developing diabetes over the course of 48 weeks. Participants will be brought into the center for quarterly in-person assessments, but they will also be provided Body Pro 2 smart scales and BPM Connect Pro blood pressure monitors for at home use because as Dr. Parson explains, “In a prospective study, we want to capture all the secondary measures we can and have regular remote monitoring.” 

 

The researchers note that there is a gap in the research when it comes to nutrition education. To address this, the nutrition program will emphasize a “food as medicine” approach and will focus on building empathy, trust, and engagement with participants who often have a distrust of clinical trials. Interventions will include meal plans, cooking lessons, daily nudges, and meetings with nutritionists. It will highlight easy-to-follow advice such as making sure non-starchy vegetables make up half the plate and leveraging the power of portion control. 

 

Because Type 2 diabetes tends to follow an intergenerational cycle, WelFore’s Ann-Marie Stephens explains, “We need to help people learn healthier ways to enjoy their cultural heritage foods so they don’t accept the inevitability of diabetes. That to me is the total end game. You’ve got to break that mental mindset.” Heritage foods are such a binding force in the community so preserving culinary traditions is essential to ensure adherence to the program. 

 

When asked for her key takeaway Dr. Parson says, “Healthcare should not be just what the clinical practice guidelines say. It is much much more complex than that. Treat the person as a whole rather than as a symptom. As my mentor Dr. Aaron Vinik often said, “When you understand diabetes, you understand all of health.”

 

  1. CDC 2022. National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2021. Appendix Table 3. 
  2. National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Reports. Data Query. 
  3. CDC 2022. National Vital Statistics Report, Vol. 70, No. 7. Table 10. 

Interested in partnering with us?

Contact Us [post_title] => Culturally-Sensitive Nutrition Education Studied for Pre-Diabetic African American Patients [post_excerpt] => Withings remote patient monitoring devices will be used by The Strelitz Diabetes Center at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) and WelFore Health for a multi-year, ADA-funded study. In an interview with Dr. Henri Parson (EVMS) and Ann-Marie Stephens (WelFore), Dr. Parsons states, “If we are able to prevent (diabetes) in a population where it is very prevalent, with the idea of using food as medicine, then it is a huge outcome." [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => culturally-sensitive-nutrition-education-studied-for-pre-diabetic-african-american-patients [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-06-17 18:42:46 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-06-17 18:42:46 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://withingshealthsolutions.com/?p=1323 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 3 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => 1 [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1566 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2024-07-16 13:52:03 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-07-16 13:52:03 [post_content] =>

Transforming Obesity Treatment with GLP-1s for Older Adults

A recent survey conducted by Gallup reported that perceived effectiveness of weight loss injections are relatively consistent among younger and middle-aged adults, with 70% of those aged 18 to 49 and 67% of those aged 50 to 64 reporting them as effective or extremely effective. Among adults aged 65 and older, however, reported effectiveness is much lower, at 48%. 

 

Older adults often face more health issues or comorbidities, which can make it challenging for them to lose weight and adhere consistently to their treatment plans. Additionally, healthcare providers may encounter greater difficulties in keeping older adults engaged and motivated throughout their weight loss journey.

 

This age-related disparity points to the need for more tailored treatment plans, closer monitoring of the patient’s day to day health metrics, and additional research to better understand the overall effectiveness of GLP-1 medication to treat obesity in older adults

Mitigating medication risk with remote health tech

One approach to addressing these challenges is the integration of digital care solutions, which can offer greater protection for older patients. By utilizing remote monitoring technologies, healthcare providers can track vital health metrics in real-time, allowing for prompt adjustments to treatment plans as needed. These tools can also facilitate regular communication between patients and providers, ensuring that any concerns or side effects are quickly addressed, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness and safety of the treatment.


With connected health devices that collect patient-generated data on a daily basis, care teams can have more insight into health risks that older patients are more susceptible to when taking GLP-1s:

 

  • Sarcopenia: About a quarter of GLP-1 agonist weight loss results from the loss of muscle and bone, both of which are necessary to protect us as we get older. Although some muscle loss is a natural part of aging, it accelerates while on GLP-1s. Weakened muscles can make everyday activities difficult, and can lead to falls or other injuries. Low muscle mass is also associated with poor health outcomes — researchers found that individuals with diabetes and low muscle mass have a higher risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease.
  • Malnutrition: Although suppression of appetite is a key mechanism of GLP-1 medications, too much appetite control can be dangerous, particularly in older adults who are more prone to having reduced food intake. Studies have found diminished appetite is a common problem for older adults — both those living at home and at care facilities. Early insight into a patient’s weight and body composition can help care teams intervene earlier to promote better appetite and food intake. Low muscle mass further compounds the risk of malnutrition. A study led by the Center for Translational Research in Aging & Longevity at Texas A&M University found that current care approaches for malnutrition often don’t account for the importance of muscle mass restoration. Researchers recognized the challenge of measuring body composition in clinical practice, noting “the need to raise awareness of the importance of screening and managing ‘at risk’ patients so it becomes routine is imperative for change to occur.”
  • Gastrointestinal side effects: Severe gastrointestinal side effects from these medications can result in dehydration, which may increase the likelihood of falls. The most commonly reported side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and nausea. When dehydration occurs, individuals are more prone to dizziness or fainting, raising the risk of falling. For older adults a fall could be the start of serious health issues and can even lead to a long-term disability. It is essential to ensure that older adults taking weight loss medications can monitor their hydration levels on a daily basis.

Daily monitoring of lean mass, water percentage and bones mass

With the Withings Body Pro 2 cellular scale, patients can weigh in each day at home and their body composition information will transmit to their care team automatically. This scale was designed for maximum ease of use, making it ideal for older patients who may not be tech savvy — there's no technical setup required, and patients can use it even if they don’t have a cell phone or internet service.

 

Daily lean mass, fat mass, water percentage and bone mass metrics provide early insight into which patients are struggling with muscle loss or malnutrition. With this data teams can more quickly identify problems and reach out to those in need. For instance, encouraging patients to increase protein in their diet, drink more water, and do light strength training may help stave off serious health issues. 

Motivating and connecting

According to the Pew Research Center, about 27 percent of American seniors live alone. This puts them at higher risk of social isolation, which can affect their well-being and increase their risk of health problems.
Beyond measuring body composition, the Body Pro 2 scale can deliver motivational messages to patients automatically. These messages might offer encouragement to keep walking regularly, take their readings more consistently, remind them of upcoming appointments or congratulate them for reaching a personal health goal.

Prioritizing a personalized approach

Safely prescribing GLP-1 medications for older adults requires a multifaceted approach that combines the integration of connected health devices, closer monitoring of patient body composition, and consistent patient motivation.

 

These technologies not only enhance the safety and effectiveness of weight loss treatments but also provide motivational support to help older patients stay engaged and connected. By addressing the unique challenges faced by older adults, healthcare providers improve the success of their program.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is informational and for content marketing purposes only. It should not be construed as medical advice. The content herein is not intended to replace professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. We expressly recommend that individuals seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before considering the use of GLP-1 medications for the treatment of obesity or any other condition.

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