Remote patient monitoring helped manage hypertension better, but at a higher cost

During the pandemic, in search of tools to keep patients healthy and virus-free, doctors turned to a new technology for help: remote patient monitoring. In 2020, home use of tools like connected blood pressure cuffs, continuous glucose monitors, and weight scales shot up, with billing for the devices and their associated care more than quadrupling.

As use of remote patient monitoring has continued to grow — albeit at a slower rate than during the early-pandemic surge — data on its impact has lagged behind. Without evidence-based practices in place, the technology may be used for the wrong patients or be used ineffectively in those it might help, limiting its impact and driving up costs.

Now, a large national analysis points to ways that providers could better target remote patient monitoring — potentially managing costs before they get out of hand, while maintaining benefits to patients.

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