• Published on: Jul 10, 2021
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Raj Dwivedi

The Hybrid Way - Telehealth !

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Covid 19 has transformed our lives in so many ways. The reality is that most likely, the pandemic will not end suddenly, and we’ll be dealing with some version of it for years to come.

As we slowly adapt to our new normal, we’ll embrace some changes and reset our lives in many ways. We have noticed some of the shifts in our personal lives and the world around us.

Health care has gone through a complete digital revolution: As the pandemic intensified, more and more providers have switched from in-person visits to telehealth appointments over video chat. Globally in April 2020, telemedicine services increased by more than 35,00 percent, and nearly half of every consultation visit was delivered virtually. Of course, this was a welcome change. Virtual visits have prevented excess COVID-19 exposure and saved others—especially those in rural areas—from a long commute to the doctor’s office. 

The increase in remote and telehealth was driven by general fear of infection. Lot of telehealth consultation took place in areas of substance abuse recovery and mental health as well. 

What was meant to be a temporary solution worked surprisingly well, at least once they tackled tech barriers? Some clients relied on their own devices before the dedicated platforms and purpose-built suites were launched. For people without smartphones or data plans to support these services, virtual care was out of reach before the suites arrived.

Post-pandemic many clients will prefer to return to face-to-face services. Yet in most cases, virtual visits would make it easier for his clients to access health care. For instance, lack of transportation could stand in the way of someone making their appointment, but that concern goes away with virtual meetings. 

Appointment cancellations will be reduced. More Hybrid models will replace the existing singular OPD model. OPD will have two elements and one will be remote and then followed by in person. What happens in an actual scenario that a typical non-life-threatening issue comes up at work or home which needs medical attention. The appointment with the doctor and time off at work combined defers the visit most of the time to next week. This delay has its own downside and risk. In some instances, the problem sorts out by home remedies. Telehealth solves this problem and takes care of issues that never need to be treated and looked at in-person saving everyone financially.  

We have watched this play out during the early months of the pandemic. The pandemic has flipped the switch for patients who had grown accustomed to traditional doctors’ visits. But now that many people have tried out virtual care, some are reluctant to give it up. This will force providers to change the model and be ready to service the hybrid way.

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How Remote Patient Monitoring is Enhancing Chronic Disease Management

How Remote Patient Monitoring is Enhancing Chronic Disease Management

Managing chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions, and asthma is a daily challenge for millions of people worldwide. These conditions require continuous care, regular monitoring, and timely medical interventions. In recent years, one innovation has been transforming this space dramatically — Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM).

This modern healthcare solution is reshaping how patients and doctors manage long-term health issues, offering more convenience, better health outcomes, and cost-effective care. In this blog, we will explore how remote patient monitoring is enhancing chronic disease management, and why it’s becoming essential for modern healthcare.

 

What is Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)?

Remote Patient Monitoring is a system where patients use digital technologies to collect their health data and send it to healthcare providers in real-time or at scheduled intervals. This can include data like:

  • Blood pressure
     

  • Blood sugar levels
     

  • Oxygen saturation
     

  • Heart rate
     

  • Weight
     

  • Medication usage
     

  • Physical activity levels
     

These devices may be as simple as a smartwatch or a connected glucose monitor. Healthcare professionals review this data remotely and take necessary action if any red flags appear.

 

The Growing Need for RPM in Chronic Disease Care

Chronic diseases are not just long-term; they are often unpredictable and require personalized care. Traditional healthcare models — where patients visit the doctor every few months — don’t always provide timely insights.

RPM fills this gap by:

  • Offering real-time monitoring
     

  • Reducing the need for frequent in-person visits
     

  • Helping doctors intervene before conditions worsen
     

In essence, it brings the doctor’s care to the patient’s home.

 

Benefits of RPM in Managing Chronic Diseases

Let’s look at the many ways RPM is helping both patients and healthcare providers manage chronic conditions more effectively.

1. Early Detection of Complications

RPM allows for continuous health monitoring, which makes it easier to spot issues early. For instance, if a patient's blood pressure readings are consistently high, a doctor can be alerted immediately and adjust medication or recommend lifestyle changes.

2. Better Patient Engagement

Patients become more aware and involved in their own care when they can track their health data daily. This awareness often leads to better compliance with medication, diet, and exercise.

3. Reduced Hospital Visits and Readmissions

With RPM, many flare-ups or emergencies can be avoided. This reduces the number of emergency room visits and prevents unnecessary hospital readmissions, which also saves healthcare costs.

4. Personalized and Data-Driven Care

Doctors get detailed and continuous insights into each patient’s health trends. This helps them tailor treatment plans based on real-time data, not just occasional checkups.

5. Improved Access to Care

RPM is a game-changer for people living in rural or underserved areas where regular visits to specialists are not possible. It ensures they receive the same level of care without having to travel.

 

RPM in Action: Real-Life Applications

Remote Patient Monitoring is already being used effectively in many chronic diseases:

  • Diabetes Management: Smart glucose monitors send daily sugar readings to doctors who can adjust insulin doses as needed.
     

  • Heart Disease: Patients use connected ECG devices or wearable heart monitors. Any irregular heart rhythm alerts the doctor in real-time.
     

  • COPD and Asthma: Oxygen levels and respiratory rates are tracked remotely. Doctors can act before a patient suffers a severe attack.
     

  • Hypertension: Blood pressure monitors transmit data daily, making it easier to control and manage high BP without delay.
     

 

Technology Behind RPM

Modern RPM systems rely on:

  • Wearable Devices: Smartwatches, fitness trackers, glucose monitors, etc.
     

  • Mobile Health Apps: These apps collect and transmit data securely to doctors.
     

  • Cloud-Based Platforms: All patient data is stored and analyzed in the cloud, which doctors can access instantly.
     

  • AI and Predictive Analytics: Advanced systems use AI to detect patterns and even predict potential health risks before they happen.
     

The combination of these technologies creates a smooth, integrated care experience for the patient and a more effective way for healthcare providers to manage diseases.

 

Challenges in RPM — And How They’re Being Solved

Like any innovation, RPM has some challenges:

  • Data Privacy: Patients worry about how their health data is handled. The solution? Encrypted data storage and strict compliance with privacy laws like HIPAA.
     

  • Technology Access: Not everyone has access to smart devices or reliable internet. Governments and private companies are working to improve access in rural and low-income areas.
     

  • Digital Literacy: Elderly or less tech-savvy patients may find RPM devices hard to use. To solve this, devices are being made simpler, and training programs are often offered.
     

 

The Future of Chronic Disease Management with RPM

The future looks promising. With the rise of 5G, AI, and Internet of Things (IoT), RPM is becoming more efficient and accessible. Hospitals and clinics are now integrating RPM into their primary care models, insurance companies are beginning to cover it, and patients are demanding more home-based care options.

As this technology continues to evolve, we can expect:

  • Faster interventions
     

  • Better long-term health outcomes
     

  • Lower healthcare costs
     

  • More empowered patients
     

 

Conclusion: Transforming Care, One Device at a Time

Remote Patient Monitoring is not just a trend — it’s a vital solution to one of healthcare’s biggest challenges: managing chronic diseases. It empowers patients, supports doctors, and makes continuous, personalized care possible without needing to be physically present at a hospital or clinic.

If you're living with a chronic condition or caring for someone who is, consider asking your doctor about RPM options. It's an investment in better health, peace of mind, and independence.

Ready to experience better chronic care? Learn more about how remote patient monitoring is enhancing chronic disease management and take a step toward healthier living today

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