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Dynamic Duo: Remote Patient Monitoring and Virtual Visits

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remote patient monitoring

Today, “telemedicine is the practice of caring for patients over distance” (NLM). The modern integration of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and virtual visits represents a cutting-edge healthcare strategy that uses remote technology to monitor and manage patient health. Now, RPM and video doctor visits have continued to grow and enhance patient care by enabling early detection, personalized interventions, and easy access to healthcare. 

These technologies reduce strain on home health systems by preventing hospital readmissions, optimizing resource utilization, and enhancing efficiency in delivering quality care. Together, RPM and video doctor visits have proven invaluable tools for healthcare workers. They represent a dynamic duo in modern healthcare, leveraging technology and care coordination to drive positive outcomes, boost patient satisfaction, and deliver substantial returns on investment.

The Power of Remote Patient Monitoring

RPM uses medical technology devices to monitor a patient’s health remotely and transmit results to care providers. RPM collects real-time health data on vital signs, symptoms, and other metrics without needing in-person visits. This technology allows healthcare providers to monitor patients’ conditions continuously, providing a comprehensive view of their health status over time (BJM).

RPM provides actionable data by analyzing patient information and detecting deviations from predefined parameters. Algorithms and automated alerts signal potential health issues or symptoms. This timely identification of abnormalities allows healthcare providers to quickly intervene with patients through remote consultations or medication adjustments, preventing complications and improving outcomes.

CareXM is at the forefront of driving flexible, care-driven remote patient monitoring in post-acute care. We are also pioneering new hospice and home health applications, focusing on proactive patient engagement. This strategy helps patients with chronic conditions and longer-term hospice care personally engage better with their healthcare. It includes automated education prompts, daily check-ins, and vital tracking–ultimately reducing provider costs and improving outcomes for all. Thanks to CareXM’s flexible remote patient monitoring solution, our custom device-agnostic platform caters to various patient needs. Reach your patients through virtually any device:

  • Live calls
  • Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
  • SMS/text message, e-mail, or video 
  • Online patient portals and mobile apps
  • Bluetooth-enabled devices   

Enhancing Care with Video Visits 

“More healthcare providers are offering to see patients by computer or smartphone [and] improved technology has made telemedicine easier, even for those who don’t consider themselves computer savvy.” (JohnHopkins). Video doctor visits offer a convenient and immediate way for patients to connect with their healthcare providers, allowing them to conduct virtual appointments from any location with internet access. 

Patients can interact with their providers in real-time via secure video, discussing their concerns, receiving advice, and even showing physical symptoms for a more accurate diagnosis. This eliminates the risk of transmitting disease and accessibility issues due to travel and reduces wait times. Video doctor visits also increase accessibility and personalized care experiences, as providers can tailor their consultations to individual patient needs, preferences, and conditions. 

Virtual appointments work alongside remote patient monitoring devices, facilitating timely interventions, monitoring, and follow-ups. They improve efficiency and resource allocation for patients and providers–and the healthcare system as a whole (HHS).

CareXM offers telehealth solutions that seamlessly integrate video, text, and live calls for comprehensive patient engagement​​. We provide after-hours triage support staffing strategies to help your patients. With new technology and analytics, serving patients goes beyond answering inbound calls. After-hours triage gives patients access to professional medical care on the first call, every time, minimizing delays in receiving care.

remote patient monitoring

Combating Readmissions and Emergency Calls 

According to a KLAS research report, one-fourth of healthcare organizations say remote patient monitoring reduces emergency room visits and hospital readmissions, while 38% say the technology results in fewer inpatient admissions. Thanks to proactive management and continuous monitoring of vital signs, symptoms, and abnormalities–timely interventions can be made before emergencies happen. 

The dynamic duo of remote patient monitoring and video doctor visits empowers patients and caregivers by increasing a patient’s access to care, promoting patient engagement through care plans, and improving care coordination between caregivers. Healthcare providers can remotely assess patients’ health status through video doctor visits, make quick medication adjustments, and provide care guidance through remote patient monitoring systems, addressing issues before they escalate to emergency levels. These benefits ultimately lead to improved health outcomes, increased satisfaction with care, and a better quality of life for patients and caregivers alike.

Case Study Highlight: Elara Caring & CareXM

Technology has emerged as a powerful ally in providing efficient and patient-centric solutions. Elara Caring, a leading home health, hospice, behavioral health, and personal care services provider, has recently embarked on a transformative journey by implementing CareXM Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring.

Elara Caring’s commitment to providing personalized care wherever patients call home is evident in its diverse portfolio of programs. The cornerstone of their approach lies in recognizing and addressing each patient’s unique needs along their health journey. With ElaraConnect–a suite of internal programs designed to identify patient needs and apply virtual oversight to keep them safely at home–the organization takes a proactive stance in managing the health of high-risk CHF and COPD patients, leveraging state-of-the-art monitoring equipment. 

“When deciding on a telehealth and monitoring platform, it was important to us to implement a solution that wasn’t ‘One-Size-Fits-All,’” said Regis Zamudio, VP of ElaraConnect. “Not only do we recognize that each patient population is unique, and may require a different monitoring program, but we have plans to expand to further use cases. The CareXM Telehealth platform offers the flexibility we need while still being extremely robust regarding features.”

remote patient monitoring

One of ElaraConnect’s unique aspects is the integration of in-person and virtual visits, providing patients with frequent, real-time opportunities for education, symptom management, and intervention. This hybrid approach acknowledges the importance of face-to-face interactions while harnessing the capabilities of virtual platforms for efficient, cost-effective, and timely care delivery. 

Ann Johnson, Director of Clinical Services, Telehealth, heads up this team. “Our clinicians have enjoyed the ease of use of the CareXM platform. We estimate our clinicians are able to monitor more than double that of our previous platform. We see and help more patients.” 

Through virtual visits, clinicians can engage with patients in the comfort of their homes, breaking down barriers that may hinder regular in-person interactions. This not only enhances patient convenience but also allows for continuous monitoring and assessment for a more comprehensive understanding of the patient’s health status. A hybrid approach to in-home care also allows Elara Caring to broaden access to services so the team can better serve patients living in rural or hard-to-access communities. 

“Our clinicians have enjoyed the ease of use of the CareXM platform. We estimate our clinicians are able to monitor more than double that of our previous platform. We see and help more patients.” Ann Johnson, Director of Clinical Services, Telehealth.

Dynamic Duo: Remote Patient Monitoring and Virtual Visits

Harnessing the Power of Remote Patient Monitoring and Video Doctor Visits with CareXM Today

CareXM is the kind of experienced clinical partner you can count on to deliver the help you need to elevate your patient and caregiver experiences. Our mission is to help our partners effortlessly anticipate and respond to patient needs with triage technology backed by our on-demand triage team. Whether you need after-hours triage, our cost-saving hybrid triage solutions, or in-house triage call center infrastructure, we help you flex and extend your care so you reach patients in the moments they need help the most. From home health and hospice to health systems and more, CareXM will transform your patient approach to lower operating costs.

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Filed Under: Patient Engagement, Nurse Triage Medical Answering Service Tagged With: , , , , , ,

advocacy

Currently, the healthcare landscape is experiencing unparalleled changes, driven by technological progress, evolving patient needs, a global staffing crisis, and regulatory changes that have reshaped the way we approach healthcare. 

Many home health and hospice providers anticipate future healthcare reform, but the difficult stress of today’s workplace still falls firmly on the shoulders of front-line clinicians, nurses, and care providers. In order to reap the benefits of realistic healthcare reform, home health and hospice providers must learn to become active participants in advocacy or continue to face downfall (OJIN). 

What is Healthcare Advocacy?

Advocacy is taking action to support a cause you believe in. As caregivers, we believe that the power of quality care and the ability to provide the best care possible to our patients’ advocacy is the best way to advance our cause. Especially since the home health and hospice communities are so uniquely centered around patients and family needs. This is why it’s crucial that providers lead the conversation. We have the insight—and the workforce numbers—to reimagine and reshape the system in a way that redesigns our working environment without harming care quality. 

Why Become a Home Health & Hospice Advocate?

Home health and hospice providers have an obligation to support and care for patients during vulnerable times. For providers to continue delivering quality care, we need policies and regulations that:

  • ensure healthcare offices, hospitals, and hospices are empowered to deliver care.
  • agencies have the capacity to enforce licensure and certification requirements. 
  • patients and families understand the benefits of home health and hospice care (HAN).

Although it can be daunting to think about, public policy impacts you, your organization, and the patients you serve. As caregivers, we need to educate and encourage our legislators to champion policies that will make home health and hospice more accessible. By becoming an advocate, you are taking an active role to speak up for the experiences you have seen first-hand. 

Lawmakers look to you, their constituents, for information and advice on what’s wrong and how it can be fixed. We need advocates who have intimate knowledge of our healthcare system to help educate lawmakers and improve access to home health, hospice, palliative care and so much more! 

Home Health & Hospice Advocacy: We need change. Let's fight. 

How to be An Effective Advocate for Home Health & Hospice

In a single session of congress, over 10,000 bills will be introduced, but only a handful will be related to home health, hospice, or palliative care. As advocates, we keep our lawmaker’s attention on bills and reinforce whether they should support or oppose those issues. For that reason, much of advocacy is about building relationships, especially with legislators to influence policies. Here some practical ways you can advocate:

Be aware of current policies. It’s important to know why and how current legislation influences certain areas of home health and hospice care. Find a subject you feel strongly about or investigate further into questions you face currently in your workplace. As a resource, most advocacy networks will have policy priority documents or advocacy training videos that break down complicated bill jargon and legislative processes. 

Become a member of a professional advocacy group. Healthcare issues are complex and systematic—so join a growing community that is organized and certified to understand the legal process. Most even have an existing relationship with leaders and policy makers. They also alert you when action is needed and how to make the most of legislative meetings. Remember, becoming an effective advocate takes time and experience. One of the best ways to learn is by volunteering to serve on a committee, or even becoming a point person for an issue (Vituity).

Advocacy Organization Resources:

Home Health & Hospice Advocacy: We need change. Let's fight. 

Contact legislators about policies and explain why they matter to you. Powerful stories make a difference. Use your voice to share about the patients and families that rely on care from providers just like you. This can come in the form of a phone call, brief email, anecdote. When an elected official is making a case for your issue, you want them to remember you and your story as a reliable resource for information. According to HAN, they recommend at least four connections with a member of congress a year. This demonstrates trust, shows honorable activism, and portrays you as a reliable resource for information. 

Take action now. If there is an issue you feel strongly about, gather support, and make your voice heard. You can do this at work with your fellow providers or in your local community. Keep in mind, advocacy can be a long process–but don’t lose momentum. Now you can advocate on behalf of caregivers and home health and hospice patients at the touch of your fingertips with the NAHC Legislative Action Center.

Healthcare leaders should encourage staff to:

  • Grow their knowledge about the home health care and hospice industries & policies.
  • Illuminate the legislative process and how you as an advocate can participate.
  • Clarify what grassroots advocacy is and the avenues available.
  • Enable you to feel empowered to share your story and personal experiences.
  • Illustrate what it’s like to talk with/visit an elected official (NAHC).

As we rally together for home health and hospice, advocating for essential changes to our system, highlighting sector challenges and continuously stressing the importance of collaboration–we will be a voice for policy reform and increased support. Your role in advocacy is essential. Your role in advocacy is unique. Your role in advocacy is impactful. 

rpm services

At CareXM, We Stand for Change.

CareXM is the kind of experienced, clinical partner you can count on to deliver the help you need to elevate your patient and caregiver experiences. Our mission is to help our partners effortlessly anticipate and respond to patient needs with triage technology backed by our on-demand triage team. Whether you need after-hours triage, our cost-saving hybrid triage solutions, or in-house triage call-center infrastructure, we help you flex and extend your care, so you reach patients in the moments they need help the most. From home health and hospice to health systems and more, CareXM will transform your patient approach to lower operating costs.

Request Consult

Filed Under: Patient Engagement, Nurse Triage Medical Answering Service Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

proactive triage

The landscape of home health, hospice, and palliative care are constantly evolving, presenting providers with many difficulties such as staffing shortages and regulatory shifts. Although these are just a few barriers in this changing and challenging environment, there is still one approach that determines key to best practices.

Proactive, smart, triage enables providers to stay ahead of CMS regulations, achieve staffing success, and even thrive financially in this shifting environment. For many, embracing and mastering this strategy is crucial for healthcare sustainability in the face of several rising demands of 2024.

Rising Barriers for Health Organizations 

One of the biggest challenges for 2024 home health, hospice, and palliative care providers was released with the final version of the Fiscal Year 2024 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update. Released by the CMS, the rules set a 3.1% increase to payments and raised the aggregate payment cap $33,494.01. It also includes updates with quality and compliance, health equity, higher levels of hospice care and spending on non-hospice services. Even though this final version increases hospice payments, most organizations worry it’s not enough to cover inflation and increased wages for caregivers–especially for those in rural areas. 

Alongside this, another barrier to consider is the impact of regulatory oversight to quality of care. Regulations are necessary to supervise and standardize healthcare, and unfortunately, to weed out bad players. Although regulatory agencies aim to improve levels of care, their regulations often result in rule compliance rather than patient welfare (News–Medical).

If healthcare organizations are working tirelessly to meet continuously changing healthcare standards–how and when are they supposed to focus on patient care quality? 

These regulatory bodies can feel like external authorities—not partners—that reduce the efficiency and heart of clinical work by frequently changing the work environment, adding extra administrative tasks, and causing unnecessary frustration and burnout (NIH).

Proactive, Smart Triage: The Five Best Practices for 2024

Strategies to Win in 2024: The Five Best Practices

With so much to consider moving into the new year, smart triage acts as an innovative strategy, ready to help wherever there is a need. That’s why unveiling proactive triage programs in your organization is the key to alleviating staff burdens, enhancing patient satisfaction, and driving improved financial performance. 

To help, we’ve highlighted five strategies that align with regulatory changes, patient needs and can help guide your team through the many challenges in 2024:

1. Implementing Proactive Triage

Proactive triage is a strategy that anticipates and addresses patient needs before they escalate into emergencies. It optimizes healthcare delivery and comes in many practical forms like weekend tuck-in calls, daily medication reminders and care provider surveys. In home-health and hospice, proactive triage is the gateway to preventative care, allowing timely interventions and personalized care to be at the center of your journey. This proactive approach ensures the appropriate level of care occurs before needs arise and to avoid after-hours calls and expensive ER visits.

2. Implementing Patient Engagement for Automation

Patient Engagement is the process of earnestly and actively involving patients within their healthcare journey. Through regular, automated education and check-ins, patients become more actively involved, developing a determined sense of ownership and empowerment. Healthcare providers who make an active effort in their patient relationships also benefit from this engagement. As patients grow their personal confidence, it leads to increased devotion to care plans, better self-management of chronic conditions and enhanced communication for all.

3. Data-Driven Efficiency

Leveraging data insights and patient call analytics can enhance operational efficiency and identify emerging payment opportunities for your organization. When you evaluate call data, you know what’s working, where to make improvements, and which protocols should be modified. Plus, knowing which communication channels are the most effective will help you optimize staffing and reduce costs:

  • Call Data tracks your incoming patient call volume, busy days, times, and call length, so you can identify opportunities for streamlining workflows. 
  • Activity Data reveals the reason for a patient call and initiates space for your organization to respond with fast solutions. 
  • Patient Data identifies patient needs and proactively assists patients in managing their own care and lifestyle choices, reducing readmissions and ED visits. 

4. Software Integration

To reduce application errors and add ease to administrative tasks, software should be used alongside your nurse’s expertise. Smart triage technology should easily integrate with electronic health records (EHRs) or cloud systems. This allows triage nurses and telehealth clinicians to fully document all patient interactions and send that information directly to providers. It builds stronger continuums of care, offers triage services at a reduced rate, and decreases the chance of charting errors and liability to patient health information exposure. 

5. Smart Routing for Clinicians

While  helps prevent patient call escalations, triage-backed care coordination platforms with mobile apps help tackle patient call volume by leveraging automation to match staff availability with patient needs. These technologies reduce staff idle time and increase the overall quality of care. Empowering nurses in the field to update their status in a mobile app, whether actively treating a patient, driving, or off-shift, organizes your incoming triage calls by only sending them to clinicians that are available. This frees up valuable time that can be allocated towards patient-centered care–ensuring the right provider is available when and where they are needed the most. Smart routing transforms healthcare organizations into more effective, efficient, and responsive caregivers who evolve with patient and provider needs.

rpm services

Need Experience Management for Triage? Call CareXM Today!

CareXM is the kind of experienced, clinical partner you can count on to deliver the help you need to elevate your patient and caregiver experiences. Our mission is to help our partners effortlessly anticipate and respond to patient needs with triage technology backed by our on-demand triage team. Whether you need after-hours triage, our cost-saving hybrid triage solutions, or in-house triage call-center infrastructure, we help you flex and extend your care, so you reach patients in the moments they need help the most. From home health and hospice to health systems and more, CareXM will transform your patient approach to lower operating costs.

Request Consult
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