Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) pharmacy programs combine medical monitoring solutions with the hands-on expertise of community pharmacists to improve patient care. By leveraging pharmacists’ role as accessible qualified healthcare professionals, RPM pharmacy programs enable the collection and analysis of patient vital sign data, providing valuable insights to physicians. Making RPM available in pharmacies strengthens and supports continuity of care and addresses specific health needs in real-time.
This article examines the tangible benefits of remote patient monitoring pharmacy programs and their impact on improving patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
How Remote Patient Monitoring Pharmacy Programs Work
Services such as chronic care management and remote patient monitoring offer avenues for pharmacists to participate in billable care. Although pharmacists cannot bill CMS directly, they can actively engage in reimbursable activities through collaborative partnerships with qualified healthcare providers. A recent study emphasizes that pharmacists trained to optimize pharmacotherapy regimens can contribute significantly to chronic disease states, including type 2 diabetes.
In a typical remote patient monitoring pharmacy program, patients are equipped with remote patient monitoring devices such as blood pressure monitors, blood glucose meters, pulse oximeters, peak flow meters, thermometers, and scales. These devices allow patients to regularly measure vital signs and transmit data to dedicated RPM software platforms. Meanwhile, pharmacists actively monitor these platforms.
Remote patient monitoring has been found to aid in improving blood pressure and hypertension management, two leading causes of stroke. Concerning readings, such as elevated blood pressure, abnormal blood sugar levels, or unexpected weight fluctuations, can be identified through RPM programs. Pharmacists can promptly notify the patient’s primary healthcare provider and directly contact patients for interventions like medication reminders.
Some RPM programs take a more comprehensive approach by incorporating regular patient questionnaires. These questionnaires cover symptoms, potential side effects, and any issues related to medication access. This continual flow of data, coupled with patient input, allows pharmacies to support patients better, detect problems early, and respond promptly.
Benefits of RPM Pharmacy Programs
Research shows remote patient monitoring pharmacy initiatives can support improved health outcomes and cost savings. One study showed that the Rx Clinic Pharmacy program had several successes.
- Between April and June 2020, monitoring frequency increased across four clinics and 100 patients.
- The program increased the number of referrals made to the clinic for telehealth or in-office visits.
- A personalized approach helped schedule medical evaluation appointments. Several of these visits led to medication changes and referrals to specialists.
- The frequency of interventions recommended by the pharmacy team increased.
- A new remote care manager role was created for a clinical pharmacist.
From a healthcare provider’s perspective, remote patient monitoring consolidates fragmented health data into actionable reports, aiding in making informed decisions for optimal patient care. This technology also facilitates efficient population health management, particularly for groups of chronically ill patients. The unique expertise of pharmacists in medication management positions them well to oversee RPM initiatives.
Understanding Remote Patient Monitoring Pharmacy Programs
Remote patient monitoring pharmacy programs offer enhanced patient convenience, earlier interventions, and efficient care delivery through telehealth platforms and in-home connected devices. As technology continues to evolve, the adoption of RPM is expected to expand rapidly, establishing itself as a cornerstone of innovative pharmacy practices. Remote patient monitoring pharmacy programs represent a significant advancement in patient-centered care, harnessing the power of technology to usher in a new era of proactive and personalized healthcare.
Tenovi works exclusively with companies that would like to offer remote patient monitoring solutions to healthcare providers. Are your partners interested in a better remote blood glucose monitoring experience? Please book your free demo to learn more about our no sync, no app RPM hardware and software services.
