How Remote Patient Monitoring Works

Remote Patient Monitoring works because it’s simple, effective, and designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday life. Patients use connected devices—things like smartwatches, digital scales, or blood pressure cuffs—to collect health data. That data is then securely transmitted to the provider, who reviews it, spots any red flags, and makes informed decisions about next steps.

For patients, this means less time spent in waiting rooms and more time feeling confident that their health is on track. For providers, it means actionable insights delivered in real-time, empowering them to act faster, adjust care plans, and improve outcomes.

At CCN Health, we make this entire process seamless. We integrate with FDA-approved devices and ensure the data is transmitted securely, analyzed efficiently, and stored in compliance with all regulations.

But here’s where it gets even more exciting: RPM doesn’t just deliver better care—it delivers financial benefits for providers. Physicians can bill for their time and expertise using specific codes, ensuring that they’re reimbursed fairly for services that are both critical and high-value.

Common Types of RPM Devices

RPM devices aren’t revolutionary in how they look—many of them are tools you already know, like scales or heart monitors. What makes them special is their ability to connect to the internet, collect data, and transmit that data to healthcare providers.

Here are some of the key players:

• Smart Scales: More than just a tool to track weight, these devices help monitor weight loss, gain, or even fluid retention in patients with heart failure or other conditions.
• Heart Monitors: Whether it’s a smartwatch or a temporary patch, these devices track heart rate and rhythm, making them perfect for patients with arrhythmias or other cardiovascular conditions.
• Glucose Monitors: Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) allow patients to track blood sugar levels in real-time, providing invaluable data for managing diabetes.
• Blood Pressure Cuffs: These devices make managing hypertension or hypotension simple by letting patients take readings at home and automatically sending results to their care team.
• Sleep Trackers: Poor sleep can mean poor health. These tools identify issues like sleep apnea and help patients improve their rest.
• Respiratory Monitors: Tools like spirometers measure lung capacity, which is crucial for managing asthma, COPD, or other pulmonary conditions.
• Prenatal Monitors: Expectant mothers can track their baby’s heartbeat between appointments, ensuring peace of mind and better perinatal care.

What ties these devices together is their ability to send data securely to healthcare providers. At CCN Health, we ensure our platform supports a wide range of devices so providers can get the data they need—when they need it.

Why RPM Is Free for Patients—and How Physicians Get Paid

Here’s where things get interesting. For patients, the costs of RPM are often fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance plans. This means they can access this game-changing technology without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses.

For physicians, RPM is a financial win as well. With the right billing codes, providers can get reimbursed for the services they’re already delivering. Let’s break this down:

• CPT Code 99453: This covers the initial setup of the RPM device and patient education. It’s a one-time payment that recognizes the time and effort required to get patients started on RPM.
• CPT Code 99454: This reimburses providers for the supply of the device and the collection of data over a 30-day period. The key here? Data must be collected for at least 16 days within those 30 days.
• CPT Code 99457: This code pays for the first 20 minutes of patient interaction and care management each month. Think of it as billing for the time spent reviewing data and communicating with patients.
• CPT Code 99458: This code covers additional increments of 20 minutes, ensuring providers are fairly compensated for extra time spent on patient care.

The bottom line? Physicians can generate recurring revenue with RPM, all while providing better care for their patients. At CCN Health, we help providers navigate these billing opportunities so they can focus on what matters most—delivering great care.

The Role of Patients and Providers in RPM

For RPM to work, it requires a team effort. Patients and providers both have a part to play, but the beauty of RPM is how it simplifies these roles.

What Patients Need to Do

1. Use the Devices: Patients collect their health data by using RPM devices regularly—sometimes daily, depending on the condition being monitored.
2. Transmit the Data: Many devices do this automatically, but for those that don’t, patients might need to upload the data manually.
3. Engage with Their Data: Patients who understand their own health metrics are better equipped to make informed decisions.

What Providers Need to Do

1. Review the Data: Regularly monitoring incoming data helps providers spot trends and catch issues before they escalate.
2. Take Action: Adjust medications, schedule follow-ups, or make lifestyle recommendations based on the data.
3. Bill for Their Work: With billing codes like 99453, 99454, 99457, and 99458, providers can get reimbursed for the time and effort they invest in RPM.

At CCN Health, our platform ensures both sides of this partnership are supported. Patients can trust their care teams are watching out for them, and providers can focus on delivering value, not chasing down data or struggling with billing.