Blog

January 19, 2021 | 8 Questions You Should Ask About RPM Before Enrolling

If your doctor is recommending a remote patient monitoring (RPM) program, you may be wondering about its benefits and how it can help you better manage your health. Below, you will find we outlined a few of the most common questions we receive about the program to help you better understand if RPM would be a good fit for you.

 

What is remote patient monitoring?

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a technology that monitors your health in between office visits while giving you access to extended care. This technology is used through convenient devices that allow self-reporting of health and vitals in real-time. These devices then relay that information to your provider and care team. This way, they can monitor relevant vitals to your condition which can include blood glucose levels, blood pressure, weight, and activity. Measuring these metrics allows your provider and care team to better assist you with your care plan goals and identify and address issues, such as elevated readings, faster.

 

Why does my doctor need my vitals monitored?

Providers may only see you in the office a few times a year. There could be months in between office visits and your doctor could be unaware of rising health concerns or be updated on your status. With RPM, providers can better manage your care.

RPM provides them with quick and fast insight into your vitals, helping them catch issues sooner to address them before they become a greater concern. Monitoring vitals consistently also allows for better care and support for your health needs.

 

What is special about the Wellbox RPM program?

Wellbox takes it a step further than just monitoring and relaying information back to your provider. Our care team is unique because we are here for you to answer any questions, help you when you need it, and support you during your wellness journey.

Each month, our registered nurses provide 20+ minutes of coaching for all enrolled patients. These calls will review the data from the device transmissions and ensure you’re meeting your health goals.

Furthermore, your nurse acts as a healthcare advocate for you. For example, we have had diabetic patients who begin the RPM program and work together with their nurse to exercise more and better monitor their diets. When their vitals improve, their need for medications may lessen and their nurses advocate for them to their doctors about adjusting their prescriptions as needed.

 

How much will RPM cost me?

There are two elements to RPM services – the nursing time and the device. If you have secondary insurance, once your annual deductible is met, Medicare will cover 80% of the cost of both the program and the device. The remaining 20% is billed to your secondary insurance. If you do not have secondary insurance or your secondary insurance does not cover RPM, you would be responsible for the monthly co-pay. Although many secondary insurances do cover RPM, the only way to be 100% certain your secondary insurance plan will cover RPM is to call the number on the back of your insurance card and provide them with the RPM codes: 99457, 99458 for nursing services and 99453, 99454 for device set-up and technology.

 

How will enrolling in RPM benefit me?

The goal of the RPM program at Wellbox is to help people better manage their conditions so they can achieve a healthier life.

People using RPM have lower rates of emergency room visits and hospitalizations. This is because our care team is consistently monitoring vital levels. Therefore, we can notice health concerns and address them sooner before the problem grows and intervene before an emergency room visit is needed.

Unexpected hospital stays and treatments can become costly. By preventing them from happening in the first place, RPM can save the healthcare system billions of dollars annually. Not only does it help prevent you from being admitted to the hospital, but our nurses also work with you to bring down your healthcare costs. These costs can include medications or finding the right specialists.

Wellbox RPM assists and educates patients on lifestyle changes, offers them more access to care, and identifies health issues sooner to keep them healthier while helping them save on healthcare costs in the long run.

The program aims to improve your health and overall quality of life.

 

What do I have to do during this program?

Once you are enrolled, a Wellbox device specialist will contact you to help select the right device for the program and teach you how to use it. You will then receive a custom kit that includes any required technology, devices, and instructions.

After being matched with a device, one of our registered nurses will connect with you and provide consistent monitoring, outreach, and coaching. As part of the program, you will receive a cellular-enabled 2-way voice hub that allows direct communication with your care team, which is available 24/7 at the touch of a button. It also offers seamless pairing with your RPM device.

 

What do other patients think of the program?

Wellbox patients consistently report a 90%+ satisfaction rate with our services and programs. Many have found that RPM makes them feel more accountable and responsible for their health. Patients also report that they follow their dietary and treatment plans and exercise more because of the Wellbox programs.

RPM helps patients receive more information and communication about their health needs, allowing them to better reach their health and wellness goals. Most importantly, patients find that the program gives them the support that they need from their care team and providers, helping them every step of the way.

 

What does this program mean for Medicare?

Medicare chooses to reimburse and invest in RPM because they see its results work. With almost half of the entire US population having at least one chronic disease, 86% of healthcare spending goes to the treatment of chronic conditions.

The use of RPM can save the US healthcare spending $6 billion in costs. Medicare is lowering healthcare costs in the long term by helping patients receive treatment and prevent problems sooner. By expanding access to care for patients by offering RPM, Medicare can improve both clinical and financial outcomes for patients and providers alike.

Share to