Understanding the distinction between telemedicine, telehealth and remote patient monitoring (RPM) can be challenging, as these terms are frequently used interchangeably in healthcare discussions. However, they represent different scopes of technology-enabled health services. When used together, these technologies enhance how medical services are delivered by healthcare professionals and received by patients.
This article will help you better understand the distinctions between telehealth and RPM. We’ll provide an overview of telehealth and remote patient monitoring, the billing differences, different technologies used, how they work together, and benefits and limitations.
Telemedicine, Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring
There are differences between telehealth and in-person care. Telehealth is a comprehensive concept that covers a wide range of health-related services delivered through telecommunications technology. These technologies can include video conferencing, secure messaging, and mobile health applications. Telehealth is not just about clinical services but also includes patient education, public health initiatives, and remote healthcare administration.
Telemedicine, on the other hand, is a subset of telehealth. It specifically refers to providing clinical services at a distance, such as remote diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients. In essence, telemedicine is always a form of telehealth, but not all telehealth activities qualify as telemedicine.
Remote patient monitoring is a subset of telehealth that uses FDA-cleared remote patient monitoring medical devices that monitor, collect and send patient’s vital signs and other health data to a patient’s doctor. RPM allows healthcare providers to monitor patients’ vital signs, symptoms, and health trends in real-time. Access to regular patient readings can facilitate proactive interventions and personalized care.
Billing Differences in Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring
Billing for telehealth and remote patient monitoring is different. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) does not consider RPM a telehealth service. Still, insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid often cover telehealth services. The billing structure is similar to in-person consultations.
RPM Reimbursement is facilitated through the use of telehealth billing codes. However, as mentioned, the reimbursement landscape for telehealth can vary depending on the region and type of service provided.
Remote Patient Monitoring uses a separate billing practice that uses CPT codes. Billing for RPM includes initial setup fees for equipment, followed by monthly data analysis and reporting fees. Private insurance coverage varies. However, some providers do recognize the benefits of RPM and offer coverage for specific conditions.
Technologies Used in Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring
Telehealth uses video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Skype, secure messaging systems for patient-doctor communication, and telemedicine apps for remote diagnosis and treatment. These technologies allow healthcare providers and patients to meet virtually, regardless of their physical locations.
Remote Patient Monitoring leverages various medical devices that collect and transmit patient data to healthcare providers. Some commonly used RPM devices are blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, thermometers and scales. The collected data is then transmitted securely to healthcare providers’ systems for analysis and timely intervention.
The Synergy Between Telehealth and RPM
Telehealth and remote patient monitoring can harmoniously deliver comprehensive and patient-centric care. While telehealth connects patients and providers for virtual consultations, RPM provides continuous insights into patients’ health statuses. This Telehealth and RPM synergy allows healthcare professionals to make informed decisions, provide timely interventions, and track progress over time.
Benefits and Limitations
Both telehealth and RPM offer numerous benefits. Telehealth eliminates geographical barriers, increasing access to healthcare services, especially in rural and remote areas. It also reduces the risk of exposure to infectious diseases during pandemics and cancer patients. RPM empowers patients to actively participate in their health management actively, leading to better outcomes and early detection of health issues.
However, these technologies have limitations as well. Telehealth and remote patient monitoring are not a substitute for in-person care. In telehealth, the lack of physical examination can limit the accuracy of diagnosis, and not all medical conditions can be treated remotely. RPM requires patient compliance and digital health literacy, which might not be suitable for patients with certain health conditions.
Remote Patient Monitoring Medical Devices
When paired together, telehealth and remote patient monitoring can monitor patient medical conditions daily between appointments. It can also help prevent health complications in patients with chronic diseases. Many symptoms and conditions can be tracked through remote patient monitoring, including:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Obesity and weight
- Heart disease
- COPD
- Asthma
- Kidney disease
- Fatty liver disease
Common devices used for remote patient monitoring are:
- Remote blood pressure monitors
- Remote weight scales
- Remote blood glucose meters
- Remote pulse oximeters
- Remote peak flow meters
- Remote digital thermometers
Other conditions may require more complicated devices that may require patient training, including:
- Apnea monitors
- Sleep monitors
- Breathing apparatuses
- Fetal monitors
- Heart monitors
- Monitors for neurological disease
Understanding Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring
Telehealth and remote patient monitoring are two essential components of modern healthcare, revolutionizing how medical services are delivered and received. Telehealth facilitates convenient consultations, while RPM enables continuous monitoring and personalized care. Together, they promise to improve patient outcomes and enhance the healthcare experience for millions worldwide.
As technology advances, the integration of telehealth and RPM is likely to shape the future of healthcare delivery, offering innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers alike.
Tenovi provides chronic care, telehealth, and remote patient monitoring software and services companies with FDA-cleared RPM devices and customized integrations for real-time access to their patient’s health and billing data. Contact Tenovi today for a free demo and consultation.
