Managed care was introduced in the United States roughly forty years ago. This was the first time...
Managed care was introduced in the United States roughly forty years ago. This was the first time that an insurance company was able to selectively contract with providers based on cost, leading to competitive pricing and significant backlash against managed care. Since that time, healthcare costs have continued to rise, and both clients and providers are seeking a way to balance the need for care and the costs associated with providing that care.
Remote client monitoring (RCM) provides significant benefits to both clients and healthcare workers in that it allows doctors and nurses to work more efficiently while simultaneously improving care. Let's take a look at how implementing an RCM enhances the healthcare experience.
How RCM Benefits Clients
1. Increased Access
Individuals covered by high-deductible insurance plans, the uninsured, and even those living in rural areas find it increasingly difficult to access care as costs rise. High-deductible insurance plans make healthcare visits cost-prohibitive for some families –the same is true for the uninsured. Individuals living in rural areas may find it challenging to find a provider within 50 miles of their home.
RCM allows doctors to access vital health information, in real-time, without seeing the wearer in the office. For those struggling to pay for an office visit or find a local provider, this cost-effective approach can provide peace of mind and access to needed health advice.
2. Improved Quality of Care
RCM connects doctors more directly with client data and even improves client behavior by creating a system in which wearers are immediately accountable for decisions that affect their health. Clients that are more engaged with their health data are more likely to take better care of themselves. Additionally, doctors can immediately see the impact of prescribed medications, treatments, and behavior modifications without waiting for the next annual visit.
3. Peace of Mind
Knowing that a medical professional monitors their health and well-being consistently can dramatically improve the quality of life for those managing a chronic illness.
Whether it is an individual with cardiovascular disease who fears what might be just around the corner, an individual with respiratory concerns that is scared to exert themselves, or even a new diabetic who is striving to understand how to manage blood sugar levels – the knowledge that a caring medical professional is receiving and reviewing daily medical alerts on their behalf can be a comfort.
4. Better Outcomes
RCM can reduce hospitalizations and short-term care stays and prevent or delay the complications associated with chronic illnesses and severe medical events, such as heart attacks and strokes.
How? When clients know their health status, whether that is recognizing an irregular heart pattern or noticing a low-grade fever or elevated blood pressure, they are more likely to reach out to a medical provider for advice.
Additionally, these users are empowered by the information, especially when they can immediately see the impact of better food choices and exercise on their vital statistics.
Dr. Saurabh Chandra, Director of Telehealth, University of Mississippi Medical Center, says that remote monitoring "enables the patient to become more educated and be in charge of their health. Many good clinical outcomes are the result of education."
5. Improves Client Experience
A telehealth appointment supported by RCM increases user confidence in the care they receive from the remote provider. Access to real-time vital statistics combined with a virtual healthcare visit allows individuals to receive high-quality care when and where they want to be.
Implementing an RCM program, whether in-home health care, home care, or traditional practice setting, provides numerous benefits to clients. CareMate is an affordable and discreet solution that enables clients to monitor wellness statistics and share that information directly with healthcare providers and loved ones for greater peace of mind.
