Connected Health
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the aging of our population, and the increased integration of the internet into our daily lives have all driven the demand for telehealth services. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) has grown rapidly in the last few years, providing benefits to patients, healthcare professionals, and CMS alike.
The Department of Health and Human Services defines telehealth as "the use of telecommunications and information technology to provide access to health assessment, diagnosis, intervention, consultation, supervision, and information across distance." Remote patient monitoring (RPM) uses technology to track and gather patient health information outside of traditional healthcare settings.
RPM is far from a novel idea — some of the first recorded instances stem from NASA's early missions in the 1960s, when doctors needed to remotely monitor space crew health. Since then, RPM has spread rapidly, from smart watches tracking blood pressure to cardiac implants detecting heart problems.
RPM leads to smoother workflows — doctors can regularly monitor patient health from a distance, making in-person appointments quicker and more effective. This reduces waiting room congestion, giving professionals the freedom to take on additional patients or dedicate more time to existing ones.
RPM also provides a more constant stream of patient health data, leading to improved diagnostic accuracy. For patients with chronic conditions, doctors can monitor health and detect irregularities early. An emphasis on preventative care reduces overall hospital stays and lowers the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
RPM instills accountability in patients — they are more likely to follow treatment plans, including diets and exercise regimens, knowing their providers are monitoring progress. Patients with chronic conditions save time by reducing in-person visits, making it less likely they need time off work to see providers.
| CPT Code | Year Introduced | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 99091 | 2018 | Collection & interpretation of physiologic data digitally stored/transmitted |
| 99453 | 2019 | Remote monitoring — initial setup and patient education |
| 99454 | 2019 | Device supply with daily recording or programmed alert |
| 99457 | 2019 | Remote physiologic monitoring treatment management, first 20 min |
| 99458 | 2020 | Remote physiologic monitoring, each additional 20 min |
CMS's heavy investment into RPM services, combined with positive reactions from patients and physicians, make it clear that RPM is among the most important trends shaping the healthcare industry in the 2020s. The sector demonstrates clear benefits across all stakeholders and measurable reductions in total healthcare costs.