Healthcare insights, care management best practices, and Medicare program updates.
In the past decade, there has been a growing interest in developing and implementing remote patient monitoring (RPM) systems. RPM is a healthcare delivery model that uses technology to collect patient data from a distance and transmit it to a healthcare provider for assessment…
There are many benefits to leveraging Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) for physical therapists and occupational therapists -- particularly those who encourage patients to adhere to at-home exercise regimens. As of January 1, 2022, CMS approved 5 new The Current Procedural…
In recent years, there has been a push for healthcare systems to move away from the traditional fee-for-service model and instead focus on providing value-based care. This shift is being driven by several factors, including the increasing cost of healthcare, the need for better…
Cipher Skin , the hardware-enabled monitoring platform that delivers flexible, hybrid recovery for musculoskeletal care, today announces it has launched an integration with Medistics , a care management platform that aggregates patient health data for more personalized, holistic…
It’s no secret that poor medication adherence is a major problem in the US. In fact, it’s estimated that only 50% of patients take their medications as prescribed . Not only does this lead to poorer health outcomes for patients, but it also drives up healthcare costs. There are…
A September 2022 survey by the American Medical Association (AMA) found 40% of surveyed physicians plan to adopt remote patient monitoring in the next year. AMA issued surveys to 1,300 physicians to gauge their thoughts on technologies including remote patient monitoring,…
The body needs glucose for energy. When your blood glucose levels fall too low, you may feel shaky, dizzy, or weak. You may have trouble thinking clearly. If your blood sugar drops very low, you could even lose consciousness. According to a 2020 report from the CDC , over 26.9…
With the COVID-19 pandemic filling up hospitals, the medical industry has innovated in various ways to try and ensure everyone's safety. One of the popular innovations of the pandemic was remote patient monitoring (RPM). Now that the world is slowly returning to normal, more…
Remote patient monitoring experienced a sharp spike in usage thanks to a small number of providers, according to a September 2022 study from Health Affairs. These primary care providers are leveraging remote patient monitoring technology in the hopes that it will improve patient…
According to research from Optum , 93% of medical professionals plan to continue leveraging telehealth as one method for care delivery in the wake of the pandemic. However, at present, telehealth usage has dipped a bit since worldwide lockdowns were in full effect. Despite…
Every health care facility is expected to provide patient-centered care. A real patient-centered approach to health care involves patients in their experience by recognizing their feedback and uniqueness. Patient-centered health care professionals pursue treatment regimens that…
Research shows that patients have better outcomes and healthier lives when involved in their own care experience. This is why healthcare organizations use strategies to engage patients better. Still, most healthcare leaders and clinicians believe just 34 percent of their…
The pharmaceutical industry is a vital part of the economy, providing both jobs and economic stability. However, the industry faces many challenges that could jeopardize the sustainability of many laboratories. In this article, we will highlight the major challenges facing this…
It's no secret that we must take medication whenever we feel sick. After all, medicine is meant to alleviate the suffering one might experience. However, it can be challenging for medical professionals to determine what should be prescribed. While most examinations work, there…
Affordability is still a leading factor affecting medication adherence among patients. Despite other factors’ existence, the primary reason people fail to get the help they need continuously is the lack of enough funds to sustain the necessary procedures to get them well. But…
Pharmacists play an important yet understated role in public health, providing services other than medication dispensing. To address the demands of the public, both pharmacy practice and education have developed. The present pharmacist generation must adjust to new practice…
Did you know that around half the patients that receive medication from their doctors don't actually take them as prescribed? This is a major problem simply because following the prescription is vital to ensure the medication does its job with minimal negative effects!…
If you’ve recently been advised to have regular health checks, it will do you good to know what to expect. An annual health checkup, known as a wellness visit, is generally carried out. It entails making an appointment with your doctor to have your vital signs taken, screen any…
We may be familiar with the condition "high blood pressure," wherein, as the name suggests, our blood pressure is high. But what exactly does that mean for our lifestyle and how does it impact our health? What Is Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by our…
There may be instances when a loved one is ready to leave the hospital but not exactly ready to return to their usual activities and care for themselves at home. For this, transitional care is an option that the family can explore. The problem is that not all patients welcome…
While many people were looking forward to value-based care, the slow shift towards it may have disappointed some. Regardless, many healthcare organizations still try to offer it at their best. Unfortunately, they're squeezed out of time and resources due to the large number of…
Monitoring devices for chronic diseases usually capture health conditions via sensors and cables. In the past, they were cumbersome, but these days they have become more convenient. These devices provide a number of benefits to people with chronic diseases and the doctors who…
Chronic care can be delivered in six ways. These six specific areas that can be applied in chronic health conditions, clinical settings, and patient populations will be explored in this blog post. Chronic Care Management: What It Is and How to Deliver It Chronic care management…
Medical professionals understand that annual wellness visits are part of effective preventative care. However, many people don't do it. Annual wellness visits don't just have benefits for patients. Medical practices greatly benefit when they make providing wellness visits as a…
People with high blood pressure, chronic disease, or those who just recovered from an intensive illness will often have health issues amplified. These patients are classified as high-risk for the coronavirus, which means they really need to stay on top of their health. Health…
If your doctor is concerned about your blood pressure even though you’re young and healthy, you should be, too. Even young adults are not too young to be affected by high blood pressure. About half of the people over the age of 20 have high blood pressure. Although high blood…
Integrated behavioral health care is a relatively new approach to medical treatment. Society’s understanding of mental and physical health has grown more sophisticated, and more and more people are realizing the importance of coordinating both physical and mental health. The…
Although remote care had been steadily increasing in popularity in the years preceding the coronavirus pandemic, the pandemic compelled healthcare providers to expand their telehealth services. Telehealth is here to stay and is one of the year's top ten trends to watch. For this…
Chronic disease is a growing concern in America, and it's having a serious impact on household budgets. In-home chronic disease management has proven to be more cost-efficient and effective than hospitalization and emergency room care. What Is In-Home Chronic Disease Management?…
BestRx Pharmacy Management Software is now integrated with Medistics ’ Care Management Platform. BestRx's integration with Medistics provides independent pharmacies with access to real-time patient and treatment information. It also creates an opportunity for them to earn…
Nobody really looks forward to seeing the doctor. But for some, the anxiety can be quite strong. Perhaps it's the whole hospital setting that makes people uncomfortable. Or maybe it's the dread of potentially hearing bad news. While this is all warranted, you can't just keep…
A recent study article in Annals of Internal Medicine showed that four factors impact the implementation of behavioral health integration initiatives. The researchers found four factors that influence the implementation of behavioral health integration initiatives. Here is a…
Partnership to launch a turnkey solution for CMS RPM and RTM programs Medistics LLC, a New Jersey-based care management company, announced a new partnership with RxCap , Inc., a Boston-based technology company focused on medication adherence and infrastructure for remote…
Hypertension, dubbed as the "silent killer", affects one out of every three adults. In reality, most people are either not doing enough to prevent heart disease or are genetically predisposed to it, which necessitates extra effort. Hypertension has since earned a bad reputation…
Our health has been placed under the spotlight in the past year, and it only makes sense to invest in your health. Even if you're feeling mighty fine, it's worth having your annual physical exam to ensure that your body is functioning as it should. An annual physical exam can…
Throughout these trying and unpredictable times, one of the biggest challenges in medicine and patient care is remote patient monitoring. However, thanks to the RPM program, the gap between communication, engagement, and adherence has been somewhat filled. Of course, just like…
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is created to complement the Medicare Remote Physiological Monitoring (RPM) codes. If you are not quite familiar with RTM, it is specifically designed to assist patients who are using medical devices that collect information about…
In the first half of this series, we introduced the essential information you may need regarding Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM). We answered some frequently asked questions, but it hasn’t stopped there. Read on to learn more about RTM through this second part of the series!…
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the final rule for its new Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) codes, which are technically known as "Remote Therapeutic Monitoring/Treatment Management." The new RTM codes went into effect last January 1, 2022. These…
Nowadays, we see the benefits of using remote patient monitoring systems and telehealth to improve healthcare delivery. And these innovations have the potential to aid in the better provision of mental health services as well. An Insufficient Number of Mental Health…
Healthcare must be made more accessible in an age of information and digital communication. Physicians need cutting-edge technology and the best care management solutions that allow doctors and patients to take an active role in a patient's health management. Remote patient…
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is an advanced health care process that helps patients, providers, and caregivers gather patient data compared to traditional health care delivery processes. The process shortens the time needed to deliver results, making diagnosis and patient…
There are times when life may be unpredictable—accidents, injuries, and more can happen in the blink of an eye. Then there are times when it's terribly predictable. As we grow older, our bodies may have a higher chance of developing medical issues and conditions. And finally,…
It's undeniable that the most important benefit of remote patient monitoring is that clinicians can stay vigilant about their patients' treatment-sensitive cases that often have a high risk of morbidity. In a way, RPM offers a clinical focus on conditions that require more…
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is gaining traction and securing its permanent spot in our ever-evolving healthcare system. Ideal for patients who need close monitoring of their ongoing health concerns, like pregnant women, RPM can play a vital role in keeping patients healthier…
While telehealth and digital health have seen considerable growth in recent years, the pandemic has spurred adoption even further as healthcare companies seek to shift more treatment away from hospitals and doctor's offices and into the patient's home. This growth is projected…
The healthcare industry has faced a plethora of advancements throughout the years. With these technologies, we can provide medical care even without sharing a physical space. Last November 2, 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or CMS finalized the Medicare…
Chronic care management (CCM) is a set of face-to-face services offered to beneficiaries with two or more chronic conditions expected to last 12 months or indefinitely. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recognizes CCM as a critical component of primary care…
Many things are changing today. One good example is healthcare since traditional health care used to be on a fee-for-service basis and is currently shifting to a value-based care model. Aside from that, healthcare treatments are usually done in-clinic, but today’s healthcare…
Chronic care management has become more difficult over the past year, especially as social distancing guidelines have hindered patients from getting the care they need. While this was bad news for most patients, it eventually paved the way for the innovation of chronic care…
RPM or Remote Patient Monitoring has been developed as a means to achieve better medical outcomes for the patient while maintaining distance and causing less intrusion and stress for the patient and their family members. With the innovation of telemedicine, patients are able to…
Suffering from chronic health conditions is never easy and is sometimes so debilitating that they can’t even move or function properly. This poses several challenges to patients who are still working a 9 to 5 job on a daily basis. Companies and businesses need to step up and…
The field of healthcare has taken a lot of leaps in recent years. There used to be a time when patients had to physically show up at the hospital for a check-up to get their tests done and wait for the results. Nowadays, they may have their tests done at home using medical…
The Chronic Care Management (CCM) program provides care coordination services outside regular in-office health visits for patients with multiple chronic conditions. This program allows healthcare providers, clinical specialists, and physician’s assistants to bill for at least 20…
The entire healthcare industry has used current Procedural Terminology codes or CPT for a long time. They provide some form of uniformity in the type of service being given by qualified healthcare professionals. Recently, these codes have been updated with regards to remote…
50 percent of patients receiving chronic care management are not taking their medications correctly. This might not seem significant but this negligence in medication adherence actually affects the patient’s health and has huge consequences in the country’s healthcare bill, too,…
Living with diabetes requires building healthier habits, especially since it involves making necessary dietary restrictions to manage the life-long condition. Unfortunately, taking medications as prescribed by the doctor won’t cut it anymore—diabetes is the kind of condition…
If you haven't heard of integrated behavioral health care, it's because it's considered an emerging field within the healthcare industry. In simple terms, it can be described as any approach or situation wherein behavioral health, and medical providers work collaboratively. The…
In medicine, remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a technology that allows a medical provider to monitor patients outside a conventional clinic setting. It uses a Bluetooth device to capture the patient's health and measure physiological data information to share it or transmit it…
You’ve probably seen or heard about how certain patients who got discharged from the hospital suddenly had a turn for the worse and need to be readmitted once again. This is because of that critical period where the patient is discharged and will transition back into a home or…
Everybody experiences headaches from time to time. However, if you suffer from a constant headache for weeks or more, you may develop chronic daily headaches. This is an illness that lasts for weeks or months. Instead of just one form of headache, chronic daily headaches come in…
The world is in the middle of a revolution that’s dramatically changing how people live, work, and learn. With various technologies emerging by the day—from mobile supercomputing and artificial intelligence to genetic editing and neuro-technological brain enhancements—it’s only…
Chronic Care Management (CCM) has become popular in the healthcare industry because it determines the quality of care offered to patients dealing with chronic illnesses. This is especially important because more than half of the population in the country manages at least one…
Patients deserve the utmost care, and healthcare has been evolving to offer the best tools and programs to aid them. Remote patient monitoring has been able to offer just that. The system has been designed to allow the optimal remote care experience, and more medical facilities…
Medical facilities are asked to deliver better and better healthcare each year as more issues start to arise and come to light. Simple things such as getting to the clinic or being too forgetful can affect how a patient can manage their condition. Luckily, with the advancement…
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices are very important for a senior citizen’s continuous care. Instead of heading out numerous times for their checkups and medical procedures, they may simply utilize the device to save time! However, before you can even think of acquiring…
One of the most effective ways to improve patient health outcomes is with the help of a Transitional Care Management (TCM). Aside from improving the results, it can also reduce the cost of care and increase revenue. The problem is, getting started with TCM is a challenge,…
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a program in 2020 called Principal Care Management (PCM), open to primary care providers and specialists. This program was specially developed to serve people with one chronic condition, supplementary to the Chronic…
It is not uncommon for patients with hypertension to also have diabetes. Studies have shown that patients who have high blood pressure are also likely to have type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, as there seems to be a link between these medical conditions. Both diabetes…
While the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted the world, effectively sending industries and billions of lives into a grinding halt, it has also notably accelerated the pace of remote technology. As various sectors, particularly the medical industry, grappled with social…
Monitoring and regulating your blood sugar should be standard for everybody, but it’s especially true for people diagnosed with diabetes. Consuming too much sugar and increasing your blood glucose can be dangerous for diabetic people. Know the distinction about what kind of…
Now, it isn’t a secret how involved technology is when it comes to modern American care centers. We now have a multitude of different devices that monitor the physical well-being of patients. However, we think taking this a step further will benefit the healthcare industry even…
One of the biggest problems today is the growing number of behavioral health disorders affecting millions of people globally. In fact, CDC reported that 40% of Americans suffer from behavioral and mental health issues. Recognizing early signs of mental health problems and…
Accessing relevant medical services is necessary to keep your wellness in check, especially as you become older. Fortunately, you can benefit from Medicare, a national health insurance program by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. One particular service worth…
Moving a patient from one facility to another can be dangerous. In fact, there is an increased risk that adverse events can happen due to miscommunications within this process. Every time someone is discharged from a hospital and transferred to another care facility, it is a…
Over the past years, more and more providers in the healthcare industry have considered incorporating chronic care management (CCM) into their practices. This is expected as CCM can yield many benefits for medical practices by improving the overall quality of care offered to…
Chronic care management (CCM) continues to be a point of discussion in the healthcare industry as more providers are showing interest in implementing CCM into their practice. More than 133 million US citizens suffer from a chronic disease, which results in 85% of the countries…
The healthcare sector is constantly changing, and the advent of technology has allowed patient service and satisfaction to increase significantly. More and more efficient systems are introduced in various areas, and such changes have become key to revolutionizing the world of…
Caring for patients struggling with chronic conditions is more complicated than meets the eye, especially when transitioning them out of an inpatient facility. While it involves plenty of routines, medications, and check-ups, the reality is that patients want to live a life that…
Behavioral health conditions are extremely common, affecting nearly one in five Americans. The annual health care costs for behavioral health conditions amount to $57 billion, on par with cancer. However, behavioral health care is often separated from the primary care system,…
Today’s world has more people aging and many developing chronic diseases that aren’t only the typical physical health ailments anymore. Asides from diabetes and high blood pressure being extremely pressing issues for decades, behavioral health like substance abuse disorders and…
Taking better care of your mental health is now made easier by taking advantage of behavioral health integration. This type of care deals with medical illnesses, health behaviors, substance abuse conditions, life stressors, and stress-related physical symptoms. It combines…
Every health care provider knows how critical the first 30 days are after a patient has been discharged from in-patient care in a hospital or other medical facility. This is especially so if the patient suffered from a complex medical issue. Unless the patient has been provided…
With everything going digital, it was inevitable that healthcare was going to move in the same direction too. Today, we can see it in the form of RPM (remote patient monitoring) and other telehealth services, where health firms offer their services remotely. This is made…
COVID-19 has changed the way people live their lives. With social distancing and quarantine being key elements to staying safe during these unprecedented times, getting regular checkups has become more difficult than ever before. These checkups are essential for patients with…
If you have patients with chronic conditions, you know how important it is to monitor their health round the clock. But with the pandemic still affecting people, going to clinics and hospitals has become even riskier. Thankfully, utilizing remote patient monitoring (RPM) systems…
Most primary care practices treat patients every day, many of which have an untreated mental illness. In fact, 80% of patients with a behavioral health problem visit a primary care clinic at least once a year. Many of these patients also want to get mental health treatment from…
Modern medicine has benefited society as a whole, paving the way for improved health, longer life spans, and a better quality of life. As such, medications have become essential parts of people’s lives, especially with more stressors and health hazards present in the daily life…
As one of the most prevalent tenets of modern American healthcare, telehealth has brought top-notch medical services to new heights in more ways than people have ever expected. With its expansive history in the field of American healthcare, the method in question has seen a…
Care managers are often overlooked, but they play an important role in the medical world. They ensure that both clients and caregivers are given an ample amount of support they need. They are responsible for the professional delivery of care and treatment plans, ensuring that…
The world was already shifting to a remote work setup, but COVID-19 has greatly expedited the transfer. As the internet continues to strengthen and develop a more robust structure that allows people to work and do activities from home, there are fewer reasons to leave home…
Heart disease isn’t reserved for older individuals. No matter your age, heart disease can become a risk. Between 1995 and 2004, the rate of heart attacks in those aged 35 to 54 rose from 27% to 32%. In the last ten years, the chances of people under 40 experiencing a heart…
Although most information on the coronavirus remains to be difficult to decipher, the previous months have made one thing clear—it’s fatal to the older populations. As such, care homes are dealing with more stress than manageable, particularly when it comes to older and more…
The healthcare industry is composed of many different layers, all of which work together to ensure quality medical and patient care standards. One of the most important, but least known, is transitional care management. This process pertains to the management of patients from…
Medicare services have supplied much-needed relief to many patients all over the country, but providing it to your patients and getting paid for it can be difficult. There’s often a lot of red tape involved, making the process lengthier and more convoluted than expected. You may…
Many new technologies are taking the medical industry by storm. One of these technological trends is what is known as Remote Patient Management, or RPM. This trend stands to be a great way to save time and money, so it is understandable why plenty of healthcare professionals are…
Chronic care management (CCM) continues to take the world of healthcare by a storm. The realm of telehealth medicine has been accelerated by the world’s current predicament, but such digital interactions are further enhanced through the help of important tools, such as the…
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is one of the recent advancements in modern healthcare technologies. This emerging methodology of overseeing patient care is a way to adapt to the evolving needs of patients. It’s an innovative solution that allows healthcare providers to respond…
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule last November 1, 2019. This update gives more information on policies, rates, and additional provisions for chronic care management services starting January 1, 2020.…
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently introduced two reimbursement processes under Principal Care Management (PCM) this 2020. These processes may appear similar to the current Chronic Care Management (CCM) program offered by Medicare, but it has a few…