With such advantages, it’s easy to see why RPM is burgeoning. In 2018, Congress passed a federal budget that appreciably expanded Medicare coverage for telemedicine, including RPM. As a result of these kinds of changes, RPM devices are becoming more portable, reliable, and affordable while electronic visits are becoming more commonplace.
According to the findings of a study conducted last year by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), 68% of physician strongly intend to use RPM. In this study, researchers surveyed 2,005 U.S. adults about their use of RPM technologies along with 200 healthcare providers. They also queried reimbursement stakeholders such as policymakers and health insurance companies.
The results of the study showed the biggest benefits of using RPM to manage health included: improved patient outcomes, (49%), improved compliance rates (44%), and patients taking increased ownership over their health (42%). The researchers observed that among patients, the top three benefits were detailed information on personalized care (43%), faster access to health care services (42%), and more influence over their own well-being (37%). Moreover, the survey results revealed that over half (52%) of consumers reported they would use an RPM device as part of their treatment if a doctor made the recommendation.
The next trend in RPM technology is miniaturization, a process whereby device makers are making their solutions smaller and less invasive while partnering with new companies expand their market share and grow the technology. As RPM continues to advance, it stands to have have a positive effect of the patients on both patients and the health care providers treating them.