Harnessing the Power of Remote Patient Monitoring and Testing
Patient compliance and engagement have long been obstacles in improving population health outcomes. However, a new generation of remote care options is changing that. Wireless trackers such as blood pressure monitors, weight scales, blood glucose meters, pulse oximeters, and spirometers are being embraced by patients to track personal health information and progress towards goals. In fact, over the past couple of years, the number of individuals using remote patient monitoring as part of a treatment program has grown by about 50%. When asked about using these tools, patients say they appreciate the detailed health information and quicker access to healthcare. Physicians note that these remote tracking empowers people to take control of their health, resulting in better outcomes and compliance.
At-home options are especially valuable for at-risk populations who require ongoing testing and follow-up. For individuals with weakened immune systems, remote monitoring can reduce the chance of exposure to viruses and bacteria that may occur with a clinic visit. These tools can also help overcome delays in care and testing, as was common in the early days of the pandemic. "The first step is looking at why people are choosing to defer care," says Yonatan Adiri, founder and CEO of Healthy.io. "Forty-five percent of Medicare beneficiaries who deferred care did so because they didn't want to be in a medical facility, and thirty-five percent didn't want to leave their homes. Therein lies the solution—enabling people to test from home.”
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