Services/products Provided
RPM-Remote Patient Monitoring of key vital signs (resp. rate, heart rate, blood pressure, cardio rhythm monitoring, daily weight by scale) All FDA Class 1 approved devices linkable to either an internet Hub (in the home) or use of an AT&T Health service phone ($9.95 to purchase-$1.95 per month).
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)
RTM-Remote Therapeutic Monitoring is useful for checking responses to a specific treatment, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, medication compliance, etc. It is accomplished via self-reporting (Software App) and devices in the home.
Transitional Care Management (TCM)
TCM-Transitional Care Management includes Face to Face follow-up with patients recently discharged from either the Hospital or an SNF by performing Telemedicine encounters and using RPM products and services. These services are focused on the first 30 days post-discharge to prevent hospital readmission.
Chronic Care Management (CCM)
CCM-Chronic Care Management via monthly face-to-face encounters with patients after the initial 30-day transitional period. It is intended to reduce hospital admissions for chronic concerns that have decompensated.
Monthly Reports of Patient Data
Acute alert & Monthly reporting of patient data to their PCP. When the monitoring software triggers an acute alert, the issue is addressed in real-time, and a follow-up report is sent to the PCP in the morning to schedule an appointment.
Client Recruitment
The patient and/or POA are called when a patient is discharged from the hospital or SNF, and a JV - HHC Agency is selected. Discussion is performed by an outbound associate advising why implementing RPM is best for the client.
Public presentations at ILF (Independent Living Facilities/communities), ALF (Assisted Living Facilities), or a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community). Tables will be set up to capture info, and the 800 number will be reinforced (this is an already established Inbound Service with complex capabilities to enroll clients and not just defer to call back).
General Advertising in local magazines/papers and Social Media platforms. Again the 800 number will be stressed for enrollment.
How It Works
All enrollment information is sent to Reliq Health Technologies. A Face to Face Telemedicine Encounter is requested and performed by a licensed provider to capture medical history, medical records are released, and consent for the remote service, which Reliq then initiates. It is a 12-month contracted service with auto-renewal by the provider. Reliq completes enrollment, and devices are shipped to the new client. Follow-up by Outbound Staff talks the client through the simple setup process based on the equipment to be deployed.
Data Monitoring
Staffing provided by Reliq performs monitoring of data on a dashboard. When an alert occurs, FAQs are followed (including sending out to ED flow). If additional answers are sought, a call is placed to the Provider on-Call, who has the option to answer the questions, call the client for a Telemedicine Encounter or advise call 911 to assist with sending to ED. A detailed report is generated and sent to the PCP. When appropriate Virtual Logix requests a care visit by a nurse visit the JV - Home Healthcare Agency to resolve any comorbid concerns. This scheduled nurse visit will notify the On-Call Provider to be available to perform a Telemedicine Encounter upon request by the nurse.
The Advantage of Using RPM
The use of RPM has documented a significant reduction in rehospitalization and overall hospitalization for comorbid diseases (A. Fib, COPD, CKD, CAD, Volume Overload, CHF, etc.). CCM and RTM have documented a reduction in the progression of the disease advancement.
Aging-In-Place Program
RPM / RTM are key adjuncts in achieving the latest recommendations by CMS and Medicare/Medicaid for the new “Aging-In-Place” program to maintain home independence with improved longevity and reduced cost. This program also encourages using Medicare/Medicaid Advantage programs designed to reduce the number of traditional Medicare enrolls by 2027 (the date the Fed-GAO predicts Part A will become insolvent).
Prerequisite for HHC Agencies
RPM / RTM will most certainly become a prerequisite for HHC Agencies. This will happen as we march into the next several years as more significant penalties are realized by CMS & HHS as part of the new Peter to Paul fiscal management needs to increase. This increase is due to the growing Baby-Boomer numbers requiring Medicare (all Parts). The key factor being Medicare Part A has no monthly premium and no way to defer the rising cost of Part A healthcare, while Part B carries a premium that will be increased as supply and demand are strained.
HaH (Hospital at Home)
HaH (Hospital at Home), a new and expanding program, will push the links between the JV and the Home Healthcare Agency to provide elevated services in the home setting. This program would focus on common top 20 DRG conditions treatable at home, thus avoiding hospitalization and saving substantial healthcare dollars. This program has been initiated by John Hopkins University Hospital in Maryland and has documented proficiency in HaH care.
Virtual Logix is also positioning itself with large Hospitalist Groups to be able to evolve this care model shortly directly upon discharge from the hospital.