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Four Common Myths about Remote Patient Monitoring

19 January 2023 by Julia Gregory

With technological advancement, there have been rapid advances in the healthcare industry in the past decade. Still, the healthcare sector initially struggled to administer care during the Covid-19 pandemic due to social distancing. The concerns were addressed through remote patient monitoring, allowing healthcare providers to cater to their patient's needs outside the hospital setting. Remote patient monitoring has invaluable benefits, including improved patient outcomes, reduced hospital admissions, and reduced incidences of hospital-acquired infections. Unfortunately, despite its increasing benefits, many misconceptions exist about the involved operating costs, safety, and effectiveness. This article demystifies some common myths about remote patient monitoring.

Myth 1: Telehealth is Expensive with Little ROI

While many people believe that remote patient monitoring is overly expensive, it is one of the most cost-efficient systems in the healthcare industry. For instance, many health practitioners can use remote patient monitoring to reduce their number of in-office hours and choose to see their patients in the comfort of their homes, reducing administration costs. It also saves time and money for healthcare workers and patients.

Myth 2: Needy Patients Do Not Qualify for Remote Monitoring

The myth about patients not qualifying for remote patient monitoring is untrue. Patients that do not qualify are the ones who do not have ongoing care needs, or their conditions are excluded from the insurance plans. However, individuals needing continuous tracking of their care, such as those with cardiovascular conditions, respiratory illnesses, poor mental health such as depression, hypertension, and recently the COVID-19 infection, are eligible and qualify for remote monitoring. Remember that remote monitoring tools include heart, blood pressure, glucose, and sleep apnea monitors to care for patients with long-term conditions.

Myth 3: The Technology Is Not Secure

The myth about remote patient monitoring systems not being secure is false. In telehealth, data security in remote health monitoring devices is paramount. Although the fear of cybersecurity is still an issue, individuals must understand that telemedicine platforms are fitted with advanced encryption and high-security firewalls as mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). By complying with HIPAA regulations, health organizations reduce the sharing of patient data and malpractice risks.

Myth 4: The Technology Dehumanizes Care

This is a common misconception about remote patient monitoring that needs debunking. Just because doctors and other health practitioners see their patients virtually does not mean there is no human care. Individuals must understand that the patient-doctor relationship is more than having a physical exam. It involves engaging with each other through meaningful conversations, exhibiting trust and honesty, and allowing your doctors to deliver quality care based on your needs. This type of relationship often leads to overall better care.

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