After 27 years in telecommunications, including 12 years as founder and CEO of Enable Communications, it was time for a new challenge.

I learned about remote patient monitoring by accident.  One of my clients, a pediatric practice, needed a messaging app for appointment reminders.  While talking with the folks at MessagePro, they mentioned their entry into RPM.  At that time, their new venture, Remote Care Partners, was only a year old, as was the industry.

The more I learned about RPM, the more I loved it.  It’s a classic win for all involved.

The most expensive healthcare is found in the Emergency Room.

Remote Monitoring is designed to keep patients out of the ER.  By catching symptoms before they’re an emergency, the outcome is better for the patient, less expensive for Medicare, and delivers a higher level of care from the practitioner.  It’s a win for the patient, the taxpayer and the practice.  CMS findings show a 17% reduction in cost, 13% improvement in patient health, 25% greater patient satisfaction, and a 72% reduction in hospital admissions.

An often overlooked aspect is RPM makes healthcare accessible to patient populations that have been left behind.  RPM insures a more equitable distribution of healthcare resources.  For many older, lower income and rural patients, going to the doctor is difficult.  Many never go unless they are in dire straits.  By monitoring these patients at home, real time changes can be made in the treatment plans, and the monthly calls they get from clinical staff make them feel like someone cares.  As a result, they follow their treatment plans more closely and enjoy better outcomes.