Your patients don’t stop using your product because it’s bad. They disengage because no one taught them how to use it, nor explain why they should.
I didn’t come to patient education content through a certification program or a content strategy course. I came to it through a stack of medical devices on my nightstand, a peritoneal dialysis machine running in my living room every night, and the slow realization that every piece of content we received about managing George’s conditions had been written for someone who wasn’t us.
Not because we weren’t capable. Because we were overwhelmed — and nobody who wrote that content had accounted for the difference.
I’ve thought about that a lot since I started writing onboarding and education content for healthtech companies. The information existed. The problem was never the information. Someone just packaged it for a patient who doesn’t survive a serious diagnosis intact.
Most healthtech SaaS companies solve the post-signup silence with a drip sequence where:
A welcome email goes out on Day 0.
Something like “here’s what you can do with the platform” follows on Day 3.
A check-in on Day 7.
The sequence runs automatically, open rates look fine, and then the team moves on to the next.
Drip sequences were built for marketing to move a prospect through a funnel, warm them up before a sales conversation, and keep a brand top of mind.
They’re timed and trigger-based. They’re also written for someone who has attention to spare. Not a patient living with 3 chronic conditions, and trying to figure out why their reading looks wrong.
The assumptions inside a standard drip sequence don’t hold up in a patient onboarding context. The assumption that information delivered on a schedule gets absorbed on that same schedule. The assumption that a “next steps” email sent on Day 7 will be acted on by Day 8. The assumption that if you include the information, people will find it.
None of that is how it works when someone is exhausted, managing competing health priorities, and staring at a device they don’t fully understand yet.
What an educational email course does differently
Here’s the difference:
A drip sequence asks: when should we contact this user?
An educational email course asks: what does this person need to understand to succeed, and in what order?
That difference changes the structure, the language, the pacing, and honestly, the results.
Each email has one job—one specific action the patient can complete within 5 minutes. The sequence is built so that Day 1 makes Day 2 easier, and Day 2 makes Day 3 make sense.
The patient is being walked through a process, not nudged along a timeline.
That’s almost everyone who uses your product. If your onboarding assumes otherwise, you’re starting with a comprehension gap you’ll never close.
The communication problem runs deeper than literacy alone. According to the 2026 State of Patient Communications Report, 87% of providers rate their patient-facing technology as up to date. But only 25% of patients report receiving multiple proactive outreach attempts from their provider in the past year.
Providers believe they’re communicating. Patients aren’t experiencing it that way. That’s not a technology failure. That’s a content and sequencing failure, and it shows up in the same activation data you’re already tracking.
Critically, each email explains why patients should do what they’re being asked to do. Instead of just saying “take your blood pressure twice daily,” explain that twice-daily readings produce the pattern data your care team needs to catch a problem before it becomes an emergency.
Patients who understand the reason behind an action are significantly more likely to do it consistently.
Medication adherence research has documented this for decades. The same principle applies to every health behavior your product depends on.
Which version works better?
Here’s an example with 2 versions of the same onboarding instruction for an RPM blood pressure monitor:
Version A:“Ensure proper cuff placement at heart level for accurate systolic and diastolic readings.”
Version B:“Wrap the cuff around your upper arm so the bottom edge sits about an inch above your elbow. The tube should line up with the inside of your arm. Sit quietly for 5 minutes. Even a short walk can affect your reading.”
It’s the same information. Version A passes regulatory review, but Version B is the one people can actually follow.
The patient who reads Version A and gets a confusing number will assume they did something wrong, feel embarrassed about it, and probably not try again. The patient who reads Version B has enough context to troubleshoot on their own.
That’s the difference between content written for compliance and content written for comprehension. (You can be both, by the way. It just takes more effort.)
How PX problems affect your business
Patient engagement isn’t abstract for a Series A or B healthtech company. The patient experience (PX) shows up in:
Contract renewal discussions
The number of re-onboarding calls your customer success team has to field
Churn
When patients don’t activate your device, or when they half-set-up the device and drift away, the cost lands somewhere—on your CS team, your NPS score, and eventually your retention numbers.
A well-built educational email course is cheaper than all of that. It also isn’t a knowledge base article, an in-app tooltip, or a PDF in the resource center that nobody opens. It’s a structured sequence that meets patients where they already are — in their inbox in plain language, in the right order, at the right moment.
Most healthtech companies haven’t built one. That gap is not small.
The companies that avoid these issues asked a different question: “Did anyone understand our email well enough to act?”
That question changes everything downstream: the structure, the language, the sequence, and ultimately whether the patient who needed the product most ever got anything out of it.
Hospital-at-home programs have expanded rapidly across the U.S., but most patients have no idea this option exists when facing admission.
When my husband George was cycling through hospital stays every month for his end-stage renal disease and cancer in 2018, nobody told us there might be another way. We assumed the hospital was our only option. Month after month, we dealt with the ER waits, the uncomfortable chairs, the sleepless nights, and the parade of specialists who never seemed to talk to each other.
Things have changed since then. Hospital-at-home care has gone from experimental to mainstream. Medicare now covers it permanently. Your insurance probably covers it too.
But you have to know to ask for it.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about hospital-at-home versus traditional hospitalization, including:
a comparison of clinical outcomes
the hidden costs nobody talks about
how to decide which option makes sense for your situation
Hospital-at-home means exactly what it sounds like: you receive acute-level medical care in your own home instead of in a hospital facility. This isn’t the same as regular home healthcare or skilled nursing. We’re talking about the same intensity of care you’d get if you were admitted to a hospital bed.
What conditions qualify for hospital-at-home care?
The key word here is “acute.” You need to be sick enough to require hospitalization, but stable enough to be safely monitored at home.
What does hospital-level care actually include?
Your care team visits you at home daily, and sometimes twice a day. This includes physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and care coordinators. You’ll get IV medications if you need them. You’ll wear devices that monitor your vital signs and send data to your medical team in real-time. It’s like having a hospital room set up in your living room, but without the hospital smell and terrible food.
When George was using his Dexcom continuous glucose monitor, I got alerts on my phone whenever his blood sugar spiked or dropped dangerously low. That technology exists for heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and more. Your care team watches these numbers from their computers and can intervene before small problems become emergencies.
Who provides the care?
A dedicated hospital-at-home team manages your case. You’ll have a primary physician who oversees your treatment plan. Nurses visit to check on you, administer medications, and assess your condition. The big difference from traditional home health? These visits happen daily, and you have 24/7 access to your care team by phone or video.
When you’re admitted to a traditional hospital, you check in through the emergency department or for a scheduled admission. A nurse takes your vitals, you change into a hospital gown, and you’re assigned to a room (if one’s available—sometimes you wait for hours).
The hospital routine
Nurses check your vitals every few hours, day and night. Yes, even at 3 a.m. Doctors round in the morning, usually between 7 and 10 AM. If you’re asleep when they come by, too bad. Meals arrive on a fixed schedule whether you’re hungry or not.
With George’s 10 different specialists, we never knew who would walk through the door or when. His nephrologist didn’t talk to his oncologist. His endocrinologist had no idea what his cardiologist prescribed. I became the central hub of information, keeping my own spreadsheet because the hospital’s electronic records didn’t seem to connect the dots.
Family involvement and visiting limitations
Even before COVID-19 restrictions, hospitals limited visiting hours. During the pandemic, many hospitals banned visitors entirely. In 2025, most facilities still have restrictions like limited hours, limited number of visitors, no children under 12.
If you want to be there when doctors round to ask questions, you’d better arrive early and stay all day.
Need to go home to shower or check on your kids? You might miss critical conversations about your loved one’s treatment plan.
That’s not surprising. People sleep better when they’re in their own beds. They get to eat their own food, and see their family members whenever they want.
The medical care is just as good, but the experience is dramatically better.
Hospital readmission rates
Getting sent back to the hospital within 30 days of discharge is a sign something went wrong.
That’s because closer monitoring catches problems earlier. Patients understand their care plan better because they’re not overwhelmed and sleep-deprived. The transition from acute care to regular life is smoother when you’re already home.
The mortality rates? Comparable. For appropriate patients, hospital-at-home is just as safe as traditional hospital care.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About
The hospital bill is just the beginning. Let’s talk about what you’ll actually pay and what costs don’t show up on an invoice.
Out-of-pocket expenses for traditional hospitalization
Even with good insurance, a three-day hospital stay can cost you $1,500 to $3,000 in co-pays and deductibles. That’s the baseline. Then come the surprise charges.
Facility fees can add hundreds of dollars:
Labs processed by an out-of-network pathologist costs extra.
And let’s not forget parking. $15 per day adds up when you’re visiting daily for weeks. Hospital cafeteria meals for family members is $10 to $15 each.
These “small” costs can easily hit $500 to $1,000 for a typical hospital stay.
Out-of-pocket expenses for hospital at home
Medicare covers hospital-at-home the same way it covers traditional hospitalization. You pay the standard hospital deductible and any applicable co-pays. Most private insurers follow Medicare’s lead, but coverage varies.
The surprise? Hospital-at-home often costs you less out-of-pocket because there’s no:
You might need to buy a few things—maybe a shower chair or grab bars if you don’t have them. But the program provides equipment like IV poles and monitoring devices.
The invisible costs for caregivers
The economic impact on caregivers is often overlooked. I burned through my vacation days and sick leave taking George to appointments and managing his care, even while working remotely. Many caregivers do the same.
Both hospital settings require serious caregiver involvement, just in different ways.
Caregiving during traditional hospitalization
You become an advocate and information manager. When doctors round at 8 a.m. and you can’t be there because you have a job, you miss critical conversations. So you take time off. You show up early. You stay late.
I kept notes from every specialist visit, cross-referenced medications, and flagged contradictions. The nutritionist told George to eat high-protein foods for his kidney disease. The renal dietitian told him to eat low-protein foods for his kidney disease. Guess who had to figure that out?
You’re also managing communication with the rest of the family. Who’s visiting when? Who needs updates? Coordinating schedules becomes a part-time job.
Caregiving with hospital at home
At home, you’re more hands-on with daily care:
You help your loved one to the bathroom.
You make sure they eat.
You learn to manage medications (when to give them, and spot side effects)
The medical team trains you. They don’t just hand you a list of tasks and disappear. They show you how to help with care, what to watch for, and when to call for help.
When I was managing George’s peritoneal dialysis at home, his nephrologist’s team trained me thoroughly. I set up the machine every night, monitored the process, troubleshot issues.
It was a big responsibility, but I wasn’t alone. I had 24/7 access to the dialysis team by phone.
The benefits of hospital-at-home care:
You have more control over the environment
You can maintain some routine
You sleep in your own bed
The stress of feeling “on call” is real, but many caregivers prefer it to feeling helpless in a hospital where they can’t be present all the time.
How to Know if Hospital at Home is Right for Your Situation
Hospital-at-home isn’t for everyone. Here’s how to figure out if it makes sense for you.
Medical eligibility criteria
Your condition needs to be serious enough to require hospitalization but stable enough to monitor at home. This includes conditions like:
Pneumonia (non-ICU level)
Heart failure exacerbations
COPD flare-ups
Cellulitis and other serious infections
Certain post-surgical recoveries
You don’t qualify if you need ICU-level care, constant monitoring, or procedures that can only be done in a hospital. You also need to live within 30 minutes of the hospital in case you need emergency transfer.
Home environment assessment
You need a space for medical equipment, like a corner where an IV pole can stand and monitoring equipment can plug in.
If you’re taking advantage of telehealth, you’ll also need reliable internet for video visits and data transmission and a phone.
Safety matters too. Can you get to the bathroom safely? Are there trip hazards that could cause falls? A nurse will assess your home before admission to make sure it’s appropriate.
Insurance coverage check
Call your insurance company and ask these specific questions:
“What’s my co-pay compared to traditional hospitalization?”
“Do I need pre-authorization?”
“Which hospitals in my area participate in your hospital-at-home network?”
Get the answers in writing. Insurance representatives make mistakes, and you don’t want surprises later.
Family readiness factors
Someone needs to be home or nearby. Not necessarily 24/7, but available. The medical team handles the clinical care, but you need a person there to help with activities of daily living and to be present during visits.
Consider your other responsibilities:
Do you have young kids?
Other family members who need care?
A job with no flexibility?
Be honest about your capacity. There’s no shame in saying traditional hospitalization is the better fit for your situation.
How to Access Hospital-at-Home Programs
Most doctors won’t automatically offer this option. You have to ask for it.
When your doctor says you need to be admitted, ask: “Am I eligible for a hospital-at-home program?” If they say they don’t know or haven’t heard of it, ask them to check. Many physicians are still learning about these programs.
Call your insurance company before admission if possible. Verify coverage and get any necessary pre-authorizations. Some programs accept patients directly from the emergency department, which can save you hours in the ER waiting room.
To find hospitals offering hospital-at-home in your area, check the Medicare website’s Hospital Compare tool or call hospitals directly and ask if they participate in hospital-at-home programs.
Questions to Ask Before You Decide
Before you commit to hospital-at-home, get clear answers to these questions.
For your medical team:
“Am I medically stable enough for hospital-at-home?”
“What happens if my condition gets worse at night or on weekends?”
“How quickly can I be transferred to the hospital if needed?”
For the program coordinator:
“How many times per day will someone visit me?”
“Will I see the same nurses and doctors, or will it change?”
“What equipment will be in my home, and who maintains it?”
For your insurance:
“What will my total out-of-pocket cost be?”
“How many days of hospital-at-home care are covered?”
“Is there a limit to how many times I can use this benefit?”
For your family:
“What will I be responsible for as a caregiver?”
“What training will I receive?”
“Who can I call when I’m overwhelmed or unsure?”
Get these answers before you decide. Understanding what you’re signing up for prevents surprises and helps you plan.
Making the Right Choice for Your Family
Hospital-at-home delivers the same quality of clinical care as traditional hospitalization—sometimes better.
But the right choice depends on your medical situation, your home environment, your insurance coverage, and your family’s capacity to help with care.
If George had the option for hospital-at-home care during his treatment, would it have changed the outcome? Probably not. His conditions were too complex and unstable.
But it would have changed our experience. Fewer nights in uncomfortable hospital chairs. More time in our own home. Better sleep for both of us. For the right patient and the right family, those differences matter tremendously.
Know that you have options. Ask questions and advocate for yourself. Don’t assume the hospital is the only place to receive acute care, because it’s not.
If you’re facing hospitalization decisions for yourself or a loved one, share this information with your family. Ask your doctor about hospital-at-home before admission. You might be surprised by what’s possible.
Cryer, L., Shannon, S. B., Van Amsterdam, M., & Leff, B. (2023). Costs for Hospital at Home Patients Were 19 Percent Lower, With Equal or Better Outcomes Compared to Similar Inpatients. Health Affairs, 42(6), 861-868. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22665835/
Edgar, K., Iliffe, S., Doll, H. A., Clarke, M.J., Gonçalves-Bradley, D.C., Wong E., & Shepperd, S. (2024). Admission avoidance hospital at home. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Mar 5;3(3):CD007491. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007491.pub3. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38438116/
Federman, A. D., Soones, T., DeCherrie, L. V., Leff, B., & Siu, A. L. (2018). Association of a Bundled Hospital-at-Home and 30-Day Postacute Transitional Care Program With Clinical Outcomes and Patient Experiences. JAMA Internal Medicine. Aug 1;178(8):1033-1040. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.2562. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29946693/
HAI and Antimicrobial Use Prevalence Surveys. (2024). Centers for Disease Control. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthcare-associated-infections/php/haic-eip/antibiotic-use.html
Horwitz, L. I., Moriarty, J. P., Chen, C., et al. (2020). Quality of discharge practices and patient understanding at an academic medical center. JAMA Internal Medicine, 180(8), 1125-1131. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23958851/
Levine, D. M., Ouchi, K., Blanchfield, B., et al. (2023). Hospital-Level Care at Home for Acutely Ill Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 176(11), 1455-1466. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31842232/
The House spending bill dropped a bombshell for digital health companies: a proposed 5-year extension for hospital-at-home waivers and 2-year extension for Medicare telehealth flexibilities.
Five years sounds like forever in tech time. But it’s actually a strategic planning nightmare.
Do you build for temporary policy, or bet everything on permanence?
I spent 2 years managing care for my terminally ill husband across 10 different doctors. Every month, he landed back in the hospital with high A1C, low hemoglobin, unbearable pain. If hospital-at-home programs had existed in 2016 with the right technology backing them, he could have avoided dozens of ER visits.
Hospital at home is the future. The question is, what should Series A, B and C health tech founders build in the next 24 months that creates value regardless of what Congress does in 2030?
This isn’t about policy speculation. It’s about strategic planning with incomplete information—which is exactly what building a health tech company requires.
What the Proposed Funding Package Actually Changes
Source: Modern Healthcare
The proposed House spending bill extends two critical Medicare programs—but on very different timelines. Understanding these differences matters if you’re building technology in this space.
The 5-year hospital-at-home timeline explained
The proposed legislation would extend the hospital-at-home waiver through 2030. This isn’t just another short-term patch. Previous extensions gave health systems and tech companies 12-18 months of runway at best.
The current acute hospital care at home initiative lets Medicare pay for hospital-level services delivered in patients’ homes. Without the extension, this program expires in 2025. That’s not enough time to build, validate, and scale meaningful technology infrastructure.
Five years gives you real planning horizon. You can make legitimate platform investments. You can hire engineering teams. You can sign multi-year contracts with health systems.
But—and this is critical—5 years isn’t permanent. It’s a policy experiment with a longer fuse.
What’s still uncertain despite the extension
Even with a 5-year extension, huge questions remain unanswered. CMS hasn’t committed to specific reimbursement rates beyond the waiver period. Will hospital-at-home payments match facility-based acute care, or will they drop to home health rates?
State regulations vary wildly. Some states embrace home-based acute care. Others have licensing requirements that make it nearly impossible. Federal waivers don’t override state-level barriers.
Commercial payers watch Medicare but don’t automatically follow. Your hospital-at-home technology needs Medicare coverage to scale, but commercial adoption determines whether you build a sustainable business.
Technology requirements could shift too. CMS might mandate specific monitoring capabilities, interoperability standards, or quality reporting metrics that don’t exist yet.
Planning for 5 years means planning for uncertainty, not betting on stability.
Most Founders Are Asking the Wrong Question
When the House bill news broke, founder group chats exploded with one question: “Does this mean hospital-at-home is permanent?” That’s the wrong question. It reveals a misunderstanding of how health tech businesses actually succeed or fail.
“Is this permanent?” misses the strategic point
Policy permanence has never guaranteed health tech success. Remote patient monitoring has had Medicare coverage since 2019. Chronic care management codes have existed for years. Both have clear reimbursement pathways. Both have policy stability.
Yet most RPM companies struggle to achieve profitability. Many CCM platforms shut down despite favorable policy.
The real risk isn’t policy reversal. It’s building something nobody needs or can’t afford to operate. Investors price in regulatory risk and execution challenges unique to healthcare.
Your business model needs to create value across multiple scenarios. If hospital-at-home waivers expire in 2030, can your technology pivot to post-acute care? Skilled nursing facilities? Palliative care at home? If you’ve built exclusively for one reimbursement code, you’ve built a fragile company.
The trap of building exclusively for waivers
Remember the telehealth boom of 2020-2021? Some telehealth companies that scaled to thousands of employees during COVID laid off half their staff by 2023.
They weren’t bad companies. They built for a policy moment, not a durable market need.
VCs learned an expensive lesson: waiver-dependent revenue is risky revenue. When I talk to Series B investors now, they ask pointed questions. What percentage of your revenue requires temporary policy? If that policy changes, what’s your Plan B? Can you operate profitably under traditional Medicare rates?
If you can’t answer those questions convincingly, your valuation suffers—even if current policy looks favorable.
What “5 years” really means for your product roadmap
Five years is approximately two technology development cycles for complex healthcare platforms. You can ship an MVP, gather real-world evidence, iterate based on feedback, and launch a mature v2.0 product in that timeframe.
But 5 years isn’t enough time to build everything. You need to prioritize ruthlessly.
Your 24-month window is critical. This is when you validate product-market fit, prove unit economics, and establish your competitive moat. If you can’t demonstrate margin-positive cohorts by month 24, the next 3 years won’t save you.
Years 3 to 5 should assume policy uncertainty, not stability. Build optionality into your architecture. Make sure your platform can serve multiple care settings. Design your data infrastructure to support different payment models.
One scenario planning exercise: map out what your business looks like if hospital-at-home waivers expire in 2030 versus extend another 5 years vs. become permanent. If all three scenarios require fundamentally different strategies, you’re not building a durable company. You’re building a policy bet.
Your 24-Month Minimum Viable Stack
The next 2 years determine everything. You need to build technology that proves value quickly while laying foundation for longer-term expansion. Here’s where to focus your engineering resources and capital.
Core infrastructure that works across reimbursement models
Start with the basics that every home-based care model needs, regardless of how Medicare pays for it.
Remote patient monitoring devices need to integrate seamlessly with your platform. But don’t overbuild here. Start with FDA-cleared devices for vital signs (blood pressure, pulse ox, weight, glucose). Specialty monitoring for rare conditions can wait until you’ve proven your core model works.
Virtual triage and clinical communication platforms matter more than most founders realize. When a patient’s oxygen saturation drops at 3 a.m., someone needs to decide: send an ambulance, dispatch a nurse, or coach the patient through the moment remotely? That decision-making capability is what health systems pay for, not just the device data.
Care orchestration is the unsexy backbone nobody wants to build but everyone needs. Who schedules the nurse visit? Who orders medical supplies? Who coordinates with the patient’s primary care doctor? These back-office functions represent over half of the $1 trillion in annual U.S. healthcare waste. Automating them creates immediate ROI.
EHR integration isn’t optional. Payers demand it. Health systems require it. Your platform needs to pull patient data from Epic, Cerner, and other major EHRs, then push back visit notes, monitoring data, and care plans. Budget 20 to 30% of your engineering resources just for integration work.
Where to invest in AI right now
Source: Health Care Code
Ambient clinical intelligence (ACI) has reached near-universal adoption: 92% of health systems are piloting or deploying AI scribes. These tools improve documentation accuracy, leading to 10 to 15% revenue capture improvement through better coding and billing.
For hospital-at-home programs, this matters enormously. Nurses and paramedics doing home visits often struggle with documentation. They’re managing complex patients in unpredictable environments. AI that turns their verbal notes into structured clinical documentation saves 30 to 45 minutes per visit.
Predictive analytics should focus on preventing acute episodes that require hospitalization. Machine learning models can analyze vital sign trends, medication adherence patterns, and social determinants data to flag patients at risk of decompensation. One health system using predictive monitoring reduced readmissions by 23% in their hospital-at-home cohort—that’s the difference between a margin-positive program and one that loses money on every patient.
Don’t sleep on care coordination automation. If family caregivers spend 15-20 hours per week on caregiving tasks (as CareYaya Health Technologies data shows), your AI should reduce that burden. Automated medication reminders, appointment scheduling, and supply ordering aren’t flashy features, but they’re what caregivers desperately need.
The unsexy AI that saves money: Back-office automation in revenue cycle management, prior authorization, and claims integrity. These AI applications can reach 70-80% profit margins and generate $500K-$1M in annual recurring revenue per full-time employee. That cash flow funds your clinical AI development.
The Margin Math That Actually Matters
Most hospital-at-home programs lose money. Your technology needs to change that equation, or you don’t have a sustainable business.
Why most hospital-at-home programs lose money
Medicare pays $1,000 to $1,500 per day for hospital-at-home. Most programs spend $1,200 to $1,600 per patient daily on nurse visits, supplies, coordination, and tech. They’re underwater from Day 1.
The hidden costs kill you. Logistics and care orchestration require significant labor. Someone schedules visits, manages the supply chain, and coordinates with the patient’s other providers. Traditional staffing models don’t scale—you can’t apply facility-based nursing ratios to home care and expect it to work economically.
Technology that creates work instead of reducing it makes the problem worse. I’ve seen hospital-at-home platforms that require nurses to log into five different systems per visit. The documentation burden exceeds what they’d do in a hospital setting.
How AI makes care at home programs profitable
Revenue cycle optimization through better documentation can improve revenue capture by 10-15%. When a nurse describes a patient’s condition verbally and AI generates accurate, complete clinical notes with proper billing codes, you get paid more for the same work.
Source: MDhelpTEK
Reduced readmissions drive CMS quality bonuses. The hospital-at-home model already shows lower readmission rates than traditional acute care—adding predictive monitoring amplifies that advantage. Every readmission you prevent saves $10,000 to $15,000 in costs and protects against CMS penalties.
Labor cost reduction matters most. AI triage can cut nurse workload by 40%+ in pilot programs. Instead of nurses manually reviewing monitoring data for every patient, AI flags only the patients who need clinical attention. A nurse who previously managed 5-6 hospital-at-home patients can now manage 8 to 10.
The “unsexy” AI that CFOs love but VCs overlook: billing, coding, claims integrity. Administrative AI can reduce operational costs by 30-40%. That’s real margin improvement hitting your income statement immediately.
Proving ROI to your board in the next 6 months
Source: ScribeMD
Your board doesn’t care about utilization growth if you’re losing money on every patient. They care about these metrics:
Cost per episode: What does it actually cost you to manage one hospital-at-home patient from admission to discharge? Track this ruthlessly. Break it down by component: labor, supplies, technology, overhead.
Readmission rates: Hospital-at-home programs typically achieve 8 to 12% 30-day readmission rates versus 15 to 18% for traditional hospital care. If your program doesn’t beat facility-based benchmarks, you have a quality problem.
Patient satisfaction: CMS increasingly ties reimbursement to patient experience scores. Hospital-at-home programs score 15-20 points higher on patient satisfaction versus facility care. That’s your competitive advantage.
Structure pilot programs that generate defensible data. Work with 2 to 3 health systems willing to share financial and outcomes data transparently. You need to prove your technology improves margins, not just clinical outcomes.
The difference between utilization metrics and profitability metrics: lots of patients using your platform means nothing if each one loses money. Focus on contribution margin per patient. When does that number go positive? What’s the path to 40 to 50% gross margins?
The 3 to 5 Year Platform Expansion Strategy
Once you’ve proven your core model works and generates positive margins, you can think bigger. The next phase is about expanding beyond your initial use case.
From point solution to platform
Bessemer’s State of Health AI report describes “supernova” companies that achieve 6-10x growth trajectories by expanding from single point solutions into comprehensive platforms. Ambient scribes became full clinical documentation suites. Prior authorization tools became complete utilization management platforms.
The pattern:
Start with a painful, well-defined problem.
Solve it better than anyone else.
Expand into adjacent workflows that touch the same users.
For hospital-at-home technology, that might mean starting with post-surgical patients recovering at home. Prove you can manage that population safely and profitably. Then expand to heart failure management, COPD exacerbations, cellulitis treatment, chemotherapy administration.
Each expansion requires clinical validation and new reimbursement navigation. But your core technology infrastructure of monitoring, triage, care coordination, documentation stays largely the same.
Value-based care integration timeline
Source: Activated Insights
Hospital-at-home is a wedge into value-based care contracts, not just fee-for-service reimbursement. Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and Medicare Advantage plans care deeply about reducing avoidable hospitalizations. If your platform keeps patients out of expensive facility-based care, ACOs will pay for it.
But commercial adoption lags Medicare by 18 to 24 months historically. Don’t expect widespread MA plan adoption until 2027 to 2028, even with favorable hospital-at-home policy.
Self-insured employers represent a faster path to commercial revenue. Large employers pay directly for employee healthcare. When they see data showing hospital-at-home reduces costs by 30-40% versus facility admissions, they’ll write checks. Companies like Cubby, who secured $63 million in Series A funding led by Guggenheim Partners, are targeting this employer market specifically for in-home care solutions.
To position for risk-bearing contracts in years 3 to 5, you need data infrastructure now. Start collecting outcomes data, cost data, and patient experience data from day one. Value-based contracts require you to prove your intervention changes total cost of care—not just that patients like your service.
Decision Framework for Health Tech Boards
If you’re a founder presenting hospital-at-home strategy to your board, or a board member evaluating your company’s approach, here are the right questions to ask.
5 questions your board should ask right now
What percentage of our revenue depends on waiver-specific reimbursement? If it’s above 50%, you have concentration risk. Diversify your payer mix and care settings.
If the waiver expires in 5 years, what’s our Plan B business model? You should have a concrete answer. Can you pivot to post-acute care? Palliative care? Chronic disease management? If the answer is “we’re screwed without waivers,” you’re not building a durable company.
Are we building technology that creates value in multiple care settings? The best health tech platforms work across hospital-at-home, skilled nursing, home health, and ambulatory settings. Flexibility equals durability.
How quickly can we prove margin-positive unit economics? If you can’t show positive contribution margin by month 24, extending the timeline to month 36 won’t magically fix the problem. You have a business model issue, not a scale issue.
What’s our competitive moat if 10 other startups get this same 5-year runway? Policy tailwinds create competition. What’s your defensible advantage? Clinical outcomes data? Payer relationships? Technology that’s genuinely better, not just first to market?
Investor perspective on policy-dependent businesses
Source: WallStreetMojo
VCs underwrite regulatory risk by discounting valuations and requiring faster paths to profitability. A pure software company might get 7-10 years to reach profitability. A health tech company with policy dependency gets 3-5 years maximum.
Some investors love policy tailwinds. They want to ride the wave while it’s building. Others avoid policy-dependent businesses entirely, no matter how attractive the market opportunity looks.
Position your pitch carefully. Are you policy-enabled (taking advantage of favorable reimbursement to scale faster) or policy-dependent (can’t exist without specific waivers)? The former gets funded at reasonable valuations. The latter struggles.
What I Wish Existed When I Was a Caregiver
Let me bring this back to why any of this matters. The technology decisions health tech founders make over the next 24 months will determine what tools families like mine have access to in 2026 and beyond.
The gap between technology capability and real-world reliability
Source: Aptiva Medical
My husband’s Dexcom continuous glucose monitor worked beautifully—when it synced properly. The app sent alerts to my phone whenever his blood sugar went dangerously high or low. That device probably saved his life multiple times.
But it only worked because the technology was reliable:
The sensor stayed attached.
The Bluetooth connection held.
The app didn’t crash.
I’ve seen hospital-at-home platforms that look impressive in demos but break under real caregiver stress. The dashboard shows beautiful data visualizations—but requires three different logins to access. The monitoring devices pair easily in the clinic—but fail when WiFi is weak in rural areas.
Care coordination platforms often assume 24/7 nurse availability. They don’t account for the reality that small hospital-at-home programs can’t staff round-the-clock coverage.
Build for the worst-case scenario, not the ideal one.
Building for the sandwich generation managing multiple conditions
Source: Graying with Grace
My husband had 10 doctors. Ten! A primary care physician, nephrologist, endocrinologist, oncologist, cardiologist, and five other specialists. Your platform needs the capability to handle that complexity.
Nobody coordinated between them. I was the coordination layer. I maintained a spreadsheet with all his medications—drug names, dosages, prescribing doctors, reasons for taking them, refill schedules. The nurses loved my spreadsheet because their systems couldn’t give them the same view.
Insurance coordination created endless frustration. My employer’s insurance was primary while Medicare was secondary. Every billing department called me multiple times to confirm this. I explained the same thing to the hospital billing office, the lab, the imaging center, the pharmacy.
Your hospital-at-home platform should automate this nightmare. Pull medication lists from multiple prescribers. Flag potential drug interactions. Coordinate insurance claims automatically. Don’t make family caregivers become project managers.
Why I care about this 5-year window
Families like mine in 2026 deserve better than what I had in 2016.
The technology exists now, and the clinical models work. The question is implementation and sustainability.
Health tech founders have a moral obligation beyond shareholder returns. Yes, you need to build a profitable business and generate returns for your investors. But you’re also building tools that will serve people during the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
This isn’t about making a quick buck off temporary Medicare waivers then exiting before they expire. It’s about building something that lasts. Something that works. Something that actually helps families manage impossible complexity.
When you’re making technology decisions over the next 24 months, remember: real people will rely on what you build. Build something worthy of that trust.
The Path Forward
The proposed 5-year extension for hospital-at-home waivers isn’t a guarantee. It’s a window.
What you build in the next 24 months determines whether your company survives beyond 2030—regardless of what happens with federal policy.
The smartest founders build technology that creates value across multiple reimbursement scenarios. Focus on margin-positive unit economics. Solve real problems for real families—the kind of problems I faced as a caregiver managing impossible complexity across disconnected systems.
Start with the unsexy AI that makes programs profitable: revenue cycle management, clinical documentation, coding accuracy. These aren’t sexy pitch deck slides, but they generate cash flow.
Build your minimum viable stack around care orchestration and monitoring that works when human resources are constrained. Health systems can’t hire infinite nurses. Your technology needs to make existing staff dramatically more productive.
Structure pilot programs that generate defensible ROI data within 6 months. You need proof points for your next fundraise and for health system expansion.
Stress-test your business model. If hospital-at-home waivers expire in 2030, what’s Plan B? If you don’t have a good answer, you’re building on quicksand.
Five years is enough time to build something durable if you start with the right foundation. It’s not nearly enough time if you’re building for a policy moment instead of a market need.
The families who need hospital-at-home can’t wait for perfect policy clarity. They need technology that works today and keeps working tomorrow. So build for that reality.
Want to discuss your hospital-at-home technology strategy?Connect with me on LinkedIn or explore more health tech analysis at reewrites.com.
References
Bessemer Venture Partners. (2026). State of Health AI 2026. Retrieved from https://www.bvp.com/atlas/state-of-health-ai-2026
Fox, A. (2026). 2026 House spending bill proposes 2-year telehealth and 5-year hospital-at-home waiver extensions. Healthcare IT News. Retrieved from https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/2026-house-spending-bill-proposes-2-year-telehealth-and-5-year-hospital-home-waiver-extensions
Gardner, S. & Hooper, K. (2026). Health tech panel to reboot after a long break. Politico Pulse. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-pulse/2026/01/21/health-tech-panel-to-reboot-after-a-long-break-00737790
Gonzales, M. (2026). Proposed Funding Package Would Extend Hospital-at-Home Program, Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities. Home Health Care News. Retrieved from https://homehealthcarenews.com/2026/01/proposed-funding-package-would-extend-hospital-at-home-program-medicare-telehealth-flexibilities/
Stock Titan. (2026). Cubby secures $63 million in Series A funding round led by Growth. Retrieved from https://www.stocktitan.net/news/GS/cubby-secures-63-million-in-series-a-funding-round-led-by-growth-ikgye2ab40md.html
Zanchi, M. G. (2026). AI Journal. The “unsexy” revolution within healthcare AI. Retrieved from https://aijourn.com/the-unsexy-revolution-within-healthcare-ai/
I went to the CES 2026’s Digital Health Summit in my new city of Las Vegas, and yes, I oohed and ahhed at the dancing robots and awesome cars and vehicles on display.
But this isn’t your usual “look at this shiny new device” content you’ll see everywhere else about CES. I’m going to share the hard truths that came directly from patients, caregivers, and the organizations who represent them.
Left to right: Jennifer Goldsack, Randall Rutta, Alice Pomponio, Jake Heller, and Yuge Xiao
Product Design Failures Nobody Talks About
Your product design isn’t neutral
Randy Rutta from The National Health Council shared a couple of stories that should make every product team pause:
A major pharma company launched inhalable insulin with all the confidence in the world. The technology was solid, and the marketing was ready, but it flopped completely because they never asked patients if they’d actually use it.
It turns out that people managing diabetes need precision. Something sprayed into your lungs doesn’t feel precise, even if the science says it is. Plus, patients hated the inhaler design itself. Simple focus groups made of their target user base would have caught both issues before millions were spent on development and launch.
Another story hit even harder for me as a Black woman. Randy said a Black woman refused to wear a health monitoring device because it was a bulky black device on her waistband that made her afraid of being stopped by police. Her solution was painfully simple: “If it came in pink, it would have changed everything for me.”
This isn’t about inclusion for inclusion’s sake. It’s about building products that don’t put users at risk. Product design is literally life-or-death for some users.
Randy also mentioned patients with eczema and psoriasis who can’t wear certain devices because they’re too sensitive to materials touching their skin. That’s a deal-breaker for entire patient populations—a product design consideration that could eliminate your addressable market if you ignore it.
Engage patients early or pay later
Alice Pomponio from American Cancer Society’s venture capital arm sees this pattern constantly. You have to think beyond product features to systemic change. She asks founders: “What is not only the short-term product development strategy, but also the longer-term healthcare systemic step change you’re planning to deliver?”
Get patient voices around your cap table. Diversify your board perspective. Even if you have a great management team with good intentions, without a board that supports patient-centered decisions, you’ll lose the opportunity to make cost-effective strategic choices upfront.
It’s cheaper to fix problems during design than during M&A negotiations when your product strategy determines your acquisition price.
Women’s Health Tech Is Broken
Left to right: Sheena Franklin and Maya Friedman
Women are done waiting for tech that works for THEM
Sheena Franklin of K’ept Health interviewed Maya Friedman from Tidepool about how healthtech uses males as the default for AI.
Maya dropped a statistic that should embarrass the entire diabetes tech industry: 70% of women with type 1 diabetes experience insulin sensitivity changes around their menstrual cycles,but there are NO clinical guidelines or algorithms designed for this. Nothing. So women have to manually adjust their diabetes management systems every single month because the technology assumes their bodies work like men’s bodies.
“We need to stop thinking about women’s health as reproductive health. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯’𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩.”
The data gap is massive
Maya Friedman
Maya referenced a project called “The Library of Missing Data Sets,” an art exhibition of hundreds of empty filing cabinets labeled with data sets that don’t exist across different industries. When you look at what’s missing, you see where biases already exist in healthcare.
As AI becomes more prevalent, these data gaps will replicate the same biases we’re trying to fix. That’s why every healthcare technology company needs infrastructure for data collection at the intersection of women’s health. Not as a “nice to have.” As a business requirement.
Tidepool partnered with Oura to build the largest longitudinal data set of diabetes device data combined with biometric data. They’re distributing Oura rings to thousands of users already on the Tidepool platform. The data will include:
Activity tracking
Sleep patterns
Menstrual cycle data
Diabetes device data from the same individuals
Health surveys for contextual data
This is what infrastructure looks like when you take women’s health seriously.
Algorithms need to be smarter
Maya’s immediate priority: building algorithms that aren’t “cycle agnostic.” She wants systems that account for 30-day hormonal patterns, not just 72-hour learning horizons.
“Women are not just tiny men. We have different needs. We need to display different data. We need algorithms that are potentially different for women versus men.” – Maya Friedman, Tidepool
And yes, that means maintaining multiple versions of products.
Yes, it’s more expensive. But it’s also addressing the actual market need instead of pretending half the population doesn’t exist.
It’s not just about menstrual cycles
Maya’s longer-term vision includes AI models that are dynamic across different reproductive milestones. What does an algorithm look like for someone in perimenopause who isn’t having regular periods? What are the learning horizons for that system?
The real moonshot? A fully closed-loop system that accounts for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), type 1 diabetes, and menstrual cycles without requiring patient interaction at all.
Women need tech that doesn’t make them choose between their health needs and their time.
Accessibility Creates Market Opportunities, Not Limitations
Left to right: Steve Ewell and Peter Kaldes
Peter Kaldes, CEO of Next50 Foundation, delivered a message that should change how every product designer thinks about their addressable market: “Guess what? You still have a point of view over 50. You still have buying power at 60. You can still use your iPhone at 70, and you need really great technology in the 80s and your 90s.”
Most product designers are under 35. Most assume older adults are technology Luddites. The data proves this assumption is completely wrong.
The buying power is enormous
The over-50 population has more buying power than younger generations. Yet, healthtech companies consistently ignore this market or, worse, design products that stigmatize older users. Peter’s frustration was that was crystal-clear:
“I’ve had conversations with some companies like, where are we going to find [older users to test with]? Well, why don’t you try, first of all, start with your company, and second of all, why don’t you start partnering with community organizations that have access to all these people. This is not hard. It’s just getting people out of their comfort zone.” – Peter Kaldes
Dual generational use is smart design
Peter loves technologies that serve multiple generations. If it’s good for older adults, it’s good for everyone. Examples he highlighted:
Hearing technology embedded in glasses to reduce stigma around hearing aids
AI tools that coordinate healthcare appointments along with transportation and nearby housing options
Financial fraud protection that helps older adults without treating them like children
Left to right: Meg Barron, Dominic King and Myechia Minter-Jordan
AARP CEO Myechia Minter-Jordan shared specific examples of products in AARP’s booth that reduce stigma:
Sneakers designed to prevent falls that look like regular athletic shoes (they appear to have laces, though velcro is involved)
Glasses with closed captions for people with hearing impairments
Glasses with hearing aids built into the stems (partnered with Sadika)
“We want to ensure tools don’t further stigmatize us but allow us to live with dignity and age well.” – Myechia Minter-Jordan
The accessibility-to-mainstream pipeline
Left to right: Natalie Zundel, Griffen Stapp, Ryan Easterly and Jack Walters
Griffen Stapp from Ability Central pointed out something product teams consistently miss: Products designed FOR the disability community often get adopted by everyone. But products made for the general population rarely get adapted later.
Examples are everywhere. Curb cuts help wheelchair users, but they also help parents with strollers, delivery workers with hand trucks, and travelers with rolling luggage. Closed captioning helps deaf users, but also people watching videos in noisy environments or practicing language skills.
Build accessibility in from day one, or you’re leaving both impact and revenue on the table.
Adaptable frameworks beat one-size-fits-all
Jack Walters, co-founder of HapWare (winner of the CTA Foundation Innovation Challenge), explained their approach: “Not everyone’s going to have similar care or similar treatments, so you need to be able to adapt to all those different types of needs and necessities in the community.”
They involve the disability community in design from the start, knowing common pain points and anticipating when certain issues might come up. That’s how you build solutions that actually solve problems instead of creating new friction.
Continuous Monitoring Changes Patient Behavior (Without Doctor Visits)
Left to right: Ami Bhatt, Tom Hale, Lucienne Ide and Jack Leach
Tom Hale, CEO of Oura, explained why continuous data matters more than episodic measurements: “Normal isn’t 98.6 degrees. Normal is what’s normal for you, and being able to see that deviation from the baseline allows us to make predictions.”
Oura’s “symptom radar” looks at temperature, heart rate, and other biometrics to predict when you might be getting sick—days before symptoms appear. That’s the intervention window where you can actually change behavior and potentially avoid getting sick entirely.
Patients change behavior when they see their own data
Jake Leach from Dexcom shared a pivotal study from the early days of continuous glucose monitoring. For years, the standard of care for diabetes was finger pricks, which are episodic, painful, and limited.
They ran a study where they put sensors on patients continuously measuring glucose, but they didn’t show patients the data for a week. They just collected baseline information. Then they turned on the display.
Within a day, people started making behavior changes based solely on their own knowledge of their disease and this information they’d never had before. No doctor intervention. No coaching. Just visibility into their own patterns.
The infrastructure problem doctors face
Source:Somebody Digital
Doctors are drowning in data with no infrastructure to process it.
Lucienne Ide from Rimidi left clinical medicine because she was disappointed by how electronic health records (EHRs) were implemented. She expected digital records with clinical decision support layered on top. Instead, she got data dumps with no insights.
As she put it: “I don’t know a single doctor who’s saying, ‘If only I had more data, I would be a better clinician.'”
What doctors need is not more data, but clinical decision support that turns data into actionable insights.
Tom from Oura said one doctor told him: “I want the Oura ring to give me information as if it was written by another doctor. Basically, a consult. Here’s what I know about this patient in clinical terms, and this is the information you need. Everything else, don’t give it to me.”
That’s the responsibility of device companies: Don’t just collect data. Provide insights that save clinicians time and help them make better decisions faster.
Prevention requires behavior change at scale
The consensus was clear: behavior change is what moves the needle on long-term health outcomes. Not medications or procedures. Sleep well, eat well, manage stress, and stay balanced.
Healthcare has failed at behavior change for 75 years because it requires data, user experience (UX), engagement, education, and reinforcement. Doctors don’t have time for that level of ongoing support. Educational content alone doesn’t work because people don’t retain or apply it without reinforcement.
But continuous monitoring combined with AI and smartphone engagement is the combination that finally makes prevention scalable.
As Ami Bhatt from the American College of Cardiology noted, “What has my attention besides my kids? My phone. And I’m looking at that, and that’s the power.”
AI That Actually Helps, Not Hypes
Source:Oxio Health
Dominic King from Microsoft AI cut through all the conference noise:
“The biggest challenge in healthcare today is the mismatch between global demand and constrained supply.” – Dominic King
AI isn’t replacing doctors. It’s closing the gap between what people need and what the healthcare system can deliver.
The future is proactive health companions
5 years ago, AI was good at classification and spotting single problems. Now we have thinking and reasoning models that can pass the same exams physicians take, often at higher rates than human test-takers.
Dominic’s vision for 5 years from now is “A health companion that you wake up and it’s sitting in the background, doing the hard work for you and being more proactive. At the moment, everything is still very reactive.”
This means:
Identifying sleep issues before they compound
Flagging medication adherence problems
Coordinating complex care across multiple providers
Helping people navigate fragmented healthcare systems
Providing specialized opinions even in rural areas
The caregiver opportunity is massive
Myechia shared that one in four Americans are caregivers right now (63 million Americans). If you’re not currently a caregiver or need care yourself, one day you will be.
AI tools can help caregivers:
Communicate with provider teams more effectively
Ensure loved ones are safe at home
Coordinate the “universe of appointments” that comes with aging
Reduce information asymmetry (where only people with medical training understand how systems work)
Dominic emphasized that co-design is critically important. Building WITH users instead of just FOR them avoids the problems we see when products hit the real world.
At Microsoft, they’re seeing 50 to 60 million health questions a day through Copilot. That’s enormous insight into what people actually need help with.
But as he noted, “A lot of founders are young. They don’t have a good idea of what it’s like to be elderly or sick.”
That’s why bringing your end users (patients, clinicians, caregivers) into the development process isn’t optional. It’s the difference between building something that works versus something that sits unused.
The Digital Equity Gap Nobody’s Solving
Left to right: Steve Ewell and Peter Kaldes
Steve Ewell, Executive Director of CTA Foundation, laid out what he calls “the three legs of the stool” for digital equity:
“You need the hardware, you need the broadband access, and then you need the support and education to go along with it. And so often that last one is left off.” – Steve Ewell
That last leg of support and education is where healthcare technology adoption actually lives or dies.
Tech alone isn’t enough
Peter Kaldes from Next50 Foundation added context that should worry anyone in healthtech: nonprofits doing the heavy lifting of digital equity training are facing unprecedented cuts to federal grants.
As Peter noted: “I love going to an Apple Store and seeing these free classes, but you have to find an Apple Store which are not in the neighborhoods that need the help the most.”
The communities that need technology training the most are the least likely to have access to it. And the organizations that bridge that gap are losing funding.
The clinical trial proof
Source: Anatomy.app
Dexcom is running large clinical trials where half the participants come from underserved communities specifically to prove the technology works equally well regardless of service level. They want hard data showing these tools aren’t just for people with resources.
Rimidi partnered with community health centers during COVID to monitor high-risk pregnancies remotely using blood pressure monitors and texting protocols. They tracked engagement by ethnicity and primary language.
There was no difference in engagement. Everyone has a smartphone in that demographic (women of childbearing age), and everyone can text.
This proves that engagement isn’t the problem. The problem is getting access to the infrastructure and training on how to use it.
Mission-aligned capital as the solution
Source: Next50 Foundation
Next50 Foundation is one of the first private foundations to invest 100% of their endowment in aging-focused companies and infrastructure. Not just grant-making, but the other 95% of their capital.
They created an aging investment framework with JP Morgan that looks at four themes:
Health
Social connectivity (including technology)
Economic opportunity (workforce and financial vehicles for longer lives)
Built environment (mobility, housing, accessibility)
As of December, about 75% of their endowment was invested in this framework, and Peter offered a challenge to the investment community:
“What if capital actually had values? Climate investors have successfully made money and helped power cleaner energy. The same can be true for aging. How can we possibly ignore that the globe is aging?” – Peter Kaldes
They also launched a new nonprofit called Leverage focused on advancing policies in Colorado to make aging more affordable—housing, living wages, caregiving resources.
Because you can’t solve systemic problems with technology alone. You need policy change too.
Patient Voices Need to Drive Startup Decisions
Jake Heller from Citizen Health is building AI tools that help patients with rare diseases query their own medical records and advocate for themselves at doctor’s appointments.
His philosophy: “Putting patients in the driver’s seat is one of the biggest opportunities we have right now.”
The journaling and documentation problem
Sometimes when people with rare or complex diseases go to appointments and talk about their concerns, doctors don’t believe them. These patients need help translating their own experience in a way that clinicians will take seriously.
Citizen Health helps patients journal their symptoms and experiences, then presents that data in clinical terms. “Here’s a video of my daughter having this specific type of seizure. Here are the journal entries. Here’s how this has changed over time.”
That’s advocacy powered by data and AI.
The time-to-diagnosis crisis
Randy pointed out that if you have an autoimmune disease, it could be 3, 5, or even 7 years before diagnosis. For healthcare innovation, it can take 7 years just to move something through an FDA process.
Those time frames compound into suffering that’s completely preventable if we had better systems and patient input earlier in development cycles.
Patient organizations are ready to help. They’re trusted by their communities. They can broker relationships, speed recruitment, help startups get from lab to market faster with products that patients will actually use and that payers will actually reimburse.
The startup trap to avoid
Source: National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
Alice warned about companies that design products, then go looking for users to validate decisions they already made.
That’s backwards. Instead you should:
Find patient voices early.
Put them on advisory boards.
Include them in design sprints.
Listen to their feedback even when it’s uncomfortable or expensive to implement.
The successful companies in her portfolio think about long-term systemic change, not just short-term product development metrics.
What Healthtech Companies Need to Do Differently
The patient community isn’t a barrier to innovation. They’re the key to building products that actually work.
Stop designing in the dark
Source: Patient Better
If you’re building healthtech without continuous patient input, you’re wasting resources. You’ll miss market opportunities. You’ll build products that don’t get used or that put certain populations at risk.
Randy’s message was clear: “Come to us, and we will broker that relationship, because in the end, you’ll be more successful, and the patient community will get a better result.”
Measure what matters
Myechia challenged the AI industry on how they measure success: Don’t count the number of tools or features. Measure whether you’re closing the gap between lifespan and health span.
That gap is currently 13 years, which is the difference between how long people live and how many of those years are healthy years. If your technology doesn’t move that number, what’s the point?
Think systemically, not just tactically
Source: IQ Eye
Every speaker emphasized that technology is only one piece of a larger puzzle. You also need:
Policy changes that support adoption
Payment models that reward prevention
Training infrastructure for underserved communities
Clinical decision support that turns data into insights
Algorithms that account for biological differences across populations
If you’re only focused on your device or platform, you’re missing the bigger picture of how healthcare actually works.
The sales enablement angle
All of these insights about patient needs, accessibility requirements, women’s health gaps, digital equity challenges are the stories your prospects need to hear during long sales cycles.
B2B healthtech sales aren’t quick. You’re selling to health systems, payers, and large provider networks. The buying committees are complex. The evaluation periods stretch for months.
That’s exactly when prospects go cold or arrive at sales calls unprepared.
I create educational email courses to bridge that gap. They keep prospects engaged with the exact kind of patient-centered insights I heard at CES. They position your company as one that understands real-world healthcare challenges, not just technology features.
In 2026 and beyond, healthtech companies that want to win understand their users deeply enough to build products those users will actually want, trust, and use.
The Measurement Challenge
How do you know if you’re succeeding at patient-centered design? Myechia offered a simple test: “What do you want your life to look like at 75?”
You probably want to:
Stay in your home
Feel healthy
Stay empowered
Have information flow easily between you and loved ones
Remain connected to family and physicians
Be safe at home
Engage in daily activities with ease and without pain
Understand your medical information and chronic diseases
Control who has access to your data
Have a care plan you can execute yourself
Receive information you trust and can use readily
If your tech helps people achieve any of those goals, you’re on the right track. If it doesn’t, you need to rethink your approach.
Final Thoughts
CES 2026’s Digital Health Summit covered the hard work of actually listening to patients, caregivers, and the communities being served.
Startups who want to be successful in healthtech aren’t the ones chasing the next funding round or the flashiest AI feature. They’re the ones asking better questions:
Have we talked to patients who look different from our team?
Does our product work for women’s bodies, not just male bodies?
Can older adults use this without feeling stigmatized?
What infrastructure needs to exist beyond our technology?
Are we solving a real problem or just building something technically impressive?
Those questions lead to products that get adopted, outcomes that improve, and companies that actually make a difference. That’s the kind of healthtech worth building.
As clinical trials grow in number and complexity, wearables are becoming essential. They allow for remote patient monitoring (RPM) and can track multiple health metrics at once. This is crucial as the number of trial endpoints has increased by 10% in the last ten years. Let’s explore how using wearables in clinical trials helps accelerate medical research.
Wearables are taking the medical research world by storm. The use of wearables in clinical trials has grown by 50% from 2015 to 2020 (Marra et al., 2020).
Why are researchers so excited about wearables? Let’s break it down.
Real-time data collection and monitoring
Imagine getting a constant stream of health data from patients, 24/7. Wearables allow clinicians to monitor real-time data, so there’s no more waiting for patients to come in for check-ups or relying on their memory of symptoms.
Wearables don’t forget or exaggerate. They provide hard data without human error or bias. Combining wearable sensors and advanced software in clinical trials is one of the best ways to make sure the data is accurate (Seitz, 2023).
Cost-effectiveness and efficiency in trial conduct
Wearable tech in healthcare shows promise for better data collection and analysis-–it can improve disease understanding, treatments, and clinical trials (Izmailova et al., 2018).
By reducing the need for in-person visits and automating data collection, wearables can cut trial costs by up to 60% (Coravos et al., 2019).
How Wearables Are Used in Clinical Trials
How are wearables being used in real studies? Let’s look at some examples.
These devices can measure how much you move and how well you sleep. This data is valuable for studies on conditions like insomnia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Remote patient monitoring and telemedicine integration
Wearables allow doctors to check on patients from afar. This is particularly helpful for patients who live far from research centers or have mobility issues.
In a study of patients with Parkinson’s disease, wearable sensors were used to track movement patterns. This allowed researchers to measure the effectiveness of a new treatment more accurately than traditional methods (Espay et al., 2016).
Challenges and Limitations of Wearables in Clinical Trials
While wearables offer many benefits, they also come with some challenges.
Data privacy and security concerns
With so much personal health data being collected, keeping it safe is a top priority. Researchers need to ensure that patient information is protected from hackers and unauthorized access.
Potential for data overload and interpretation issues
Wearables can generate massive amounts of data. Sorting through all this information and making sense of it can be overwhelming for researchers.
One study found that while 79% of clinical trials were interested in using wearables, only 39% felt confident in their ability to manage and analyze the data effectively (Walton et al., 2015).
Best Practices to Incorporate Wearables in Clinical Trials
To make the most of wearables in clinical trials, researchers should follow these best practices.
Select appropriate wearable devices for specific trial needs
Not all wearables are created equal. Researchers must choose devices that are scientifically relevant to the study’s endpoints and can gather precise, valid data.
The goal is to collect meaningful information that significantly contributes to the study’s outcomes and conclusions, rather than just monitoring for the sake of it (Rudo & Dekie, 2024). For example, a sleep study might need a device with advanced sleep-tracking capabilities.
Ensure data quality and validation
It’s crucial to verify that the data collected by wearables is accurate and reliable. This often involves comparing wearable data with data from traditional medical devices.
Train participants and researchers on proper device use
Develop robust data management and analysis protocols
With so much data coming in, having a solid plan for managing and analyzing it is essential. This may involve using specialized software or working with data scientists.
Steinhubl et al. (2018) researched how heart failure patients used wearable sensors to track daily activity. By carefully selecting devices and training participants, the researchers collected high-quality data leading to new insights about the progression of heart failure.
Future Trends and Innovations
What’s next for wearables in clinical trials? Let’s take a peek.
AI and machine learning integration for data analysis
Multi-modal sensors in wearables combine different types of sensors in one device to give a more complete picture of a patient’s health (Sietz, 2023). It can include body sensors, environmental sensors, and even imaging tech to gather a wide range of data for clinical studies.
Expanded use of wearables in decentralized clinical trials
More trials are moving away from traditional research centers. Wearables make it possible to conduct studies with patients in their own homes, opening up research to a wider group of people.
Potential for personalized medicine and treatment optimization
Wearables are becoming an integral part of clinical trials, offering new insights into patient health and treatment efficacy. These smart devices are likely to greatly impact medical research, leading to faster, more efficient, and patient-centric clinical trials. Who knows–the next big medical breakthrough might come from a small device you can wear.
References
Coravos, A., Khozin, S., & Mandl, K. D. (2019). Developing and adopting safe and effective digital biomarkers to improve patient outcomes. NPJ digital medicine, 2(1), 1-5.
Espay, A. J., Bonato, P., Nahab, F. B., Maetzler, W., Dean, J. M., Klucken, J., … & Papapetropoulos, S. (2016). Technology in Parkinson’s disease: Challenges and opportunities. Movement Disorders, 31(9), 1272-1282.
Izmailova, E. S., Wagner, J. A., & Perakslis, E. D. (2018). Wearable Devices in Clinical Trials: Hype and Hypothesis. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 104(1), 42-52.
Marra, C., Chen, J. L., Coravos, A., & Stern, A. D. (2020). Quantifying the use of connected digital products in clinical research. NPJ digital medicine, 3(1), 50.
Seitz, S. (2023). Wearable sensors have already enhanced clinical trials and their impact in this market is only going to grow as technology advances. Find out what clinical trial applications and opportunities exist for your innovative wearable technology company. Sequenex. Retrieved from https://sequenex.com/blog/enhancing-clinical-trials-with-wearable-sensors-and-software-solutions/
Steinhubl, S. R., Waalen, J., Edwards, A. M., Ariniello, L. M., Mehta, R. R., Ebner, G. S., … & Topol, E. J. (2018). Effect of a home-based wearable continuous ECG monitoring patch on detection of undiagnosed atrial fibrillation: the mSToPS randomized clinical trial. Jama, 320(2), 146-155.
Todd Rudo, T., & Dekie, L. (2024). The Future Fit of Wearables for Patient-Centric Clinical Trials. Applied Clinical Trials, 33(4).
Walton, M. K., Powers, J. H., Hobart, J., Patrick, D., Marquis, P., Vamvakas, S., … & Burke, L. B. (2015). Clinical outcome assessments: conceptual foundation—report of the ISPOR Clinical Outcomes Assessment–Emerging Good Practices for Outcomes Research Task Force. Value in Health, 18(6), 741-752.
Wearable Technology Clinical Trials: All You Need To Know About 5 Wearable Devices And Wearable Sensors. Learning Labb Research Institute. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://llri.in/wearable-technology-clinical-trials/
Living with chronic pain can be a daily struggle, affecting millions of people worldwide. According to the CDC, an estimated 20.9% of U.S. adults experienced chronic pain in 2021. Fortunately, technology has stepped in to offer innovative solutions, like chronic pain management apps.
These digital assistants are powerful, accessible tools to help pain sufferers track symptoms, manage medications, and find relief. In this article, we’ll discuss chronic pain management apps in detail, outlining the ways they can help improve quality of life for those who experience chronic pain.
First, let’s take a look at the various digital tools available to help manage chronic pain.
Types of digital tools for chronic pain
Many digital tools on the market can help assess and treat chronic pain, and improve how patients access and engage with their care (Rejula et al., 2021):
Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is being used more in healthcare, including for diagnosing and managing treatments. For chronic pain, AI can use data like breathing rate, oxygen levels, and heart rate to estimate pain levels and changes.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): Tools like smartphone apps, sensors, and wearable devices can help doctors collect and track patient symptoms between appointments.
Digital therapy: These are devices and methods that give patients frequent advice to improve their behaviors and habits. Most of these use an approach called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Virtual patient engagement: Digital communication tools can help patients be more involved in their care, no matter where they are.
Definition of chronic pain management apps
Chronic pain management apps are mobile applications that help people with chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, and fibromyalgia track and control their pain. They serve as a digital companion, offering features like pain diaries, medication reminders, and educational resources. The main goal is to empower users to take control of their pain management, providing insights that can lead to better health outcomes.
How they’re different from general health apps
While general health apps focus on overall wellness, chronic pain management apps are tailored to address specific pain-related issues. They offer specialized tools like pain mapping and flare-up prediction, which are not typically found in standard health apps.
Pain tracking: Users can log pain episodes, noting intensity, location, and triggers. This helps in identifying patterns and potential triggers.
Medication management: Apps often include reminders to take medication, ensuring adherence to prescribed treatments.
Educational resources: Many apps offer information on pain management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and guided meditation.
Integration with wearables: Some apps sync with wearable devices to provide real-time data on physical activity and sleep patterns.
Benefits of using digital tools for pain management
Why should you consider using these apps? Here are some benefits:
Improved self-management: By tracking pain and related factors, users gain insights into their condition, leading to better management.
Better communication: Sharing app data with doctors can lead to more informed treatment decisions.
Convenience: Having a digital tool at your fingertips means you can manage your pain anytime, anywhere.
Top Features of Effective Pain Management Apps
When choosing a pain management app, certain features can make a big difference in how well it works. Let’s explore what to look for.
Pain tracking
Effective apps allow users to log pain episodes in detail. This includes noting the intensity, duration, and location of pain, as well as potential triggers. A study found that detailed pain tracking can help users identify patterns and adjust their management strategies accordingly (Zhao et al., 2019).
Medication reminders and management
Medication adherence (taking your meds as prescribed) is crucial in pain management. Apps with reminder features ensure users take their medication on time, reducing the risk of missed doses and improving overall treatment effectiveness.
Customizable pain scales and body maps
Customizable features allow users to personalize their pain assessment. This means they can adjust pain scales to better reflect their experiences and use body maps to pinpoint pain locations accurately.
Integration with wearable devices
Integration with wearables provides real-time data on various health metrics, such as heart rate and activity levels. This data can offer insights into how lifestyle factors affect pain, allowing for more informed management decisions.
Popular Chronic Pain Management Apps Review
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular chronic pain management apps available today. These apps offer various features to help users track, manage, and understand their pain better.
Note: Prices listed in this section are accurate as of August 2024. Visit the app’s website to confirm their current pricing.
1. Pathways Pain Relief
Source: Pathways
Pathways Pain Relief is a web-based app created by chronic pain sufferers and pain specialists at Pathway. It aims to help users manage their pain through mind-body therapies and comprehensive pain education.
Key Features:
Mind-body pain therapy program
Meditation and mindfulness exercises
Physical therapy area
Pain and wellbeing tracking
Pros
Cons
Comprehensive approach to pain management
Web-based only (no mobile app)
Created by pain sufferers and specialists
Requires internet connection
High user rating (4.6/5)
Cost: $79 (flat fee).
Use case
A chronic pain patient looking for a holistic approach to pain management, combining physical therapy, mindfulness, and pain education.
Curable is available on iOS, Android, and web platforms. It was founded by three individuals who recovered from chronic pain and now aim to help others access similar treatments.
Manage My Pain, an app created by Managing Life, is available on iOS, Android, and web platforms. It focuses on detailed pain tracking and analysis to help users understand their pain patterns.
Key Features:
Comprehensive tracking of pain and well-being
Export statistics for healthcare providers
Easy-to-read charts and graphs
Pros
Cons
Detailed pain tracking capabilities
May be overwhelming for users seeking simpler solutions
Shareable reports for healthcare providers
High user rating (4.4/5)
Cost: $4.99 per month for reports and educational content.
Use case
A patient who wants to keep detailed records of their pain experiences to share with their healthcare team and identify patterns over time.
Migraine Buddy, developed by Aptar Digital Health, is specifically designed for migraine sufferers. Available on iOS and Android, it helps users track and manage their headache and migraine symptoms.
Feedback on Migraine Buddy says the app is great for people with migraines (Gamwell et al, 2021). It lets users share info with doctors, track what causes their migraines, and what helps relieve them. It can also calculate how much migraines affect a person’s daily life.
Key Features:
Migraine tracking and analysis
Community support features
Educational resources on migraines
Pros
Cons
Specialized for migraine sufferers
Not suitable for other types of chronic pain
Strong community support
Very high user rating (4.6/5)
Cost: $0 for MigraineBuddy; $12.99 per month or $89.99 per year for MBplus.
Use case
A migraine sufferer looking to track their symptoms, identify triggers, and connect with others who have similar experiences.
Boston Scientific Corporation created PainScale, a highly-rated pain management app with a range of features for tracking and managing chronic pain, and educational articles. It’s available on iOS, Android, and the web.
Gamwell et al (2021) noted that PainScale includes the very helpful techniques for managing pain, and is easy to use for various types of chronic pain. It has a daily diary where users can track their symptoms, triggers, and medications, and can be share this info with doctors.
Key Features:
Pain tracking and analysis
Personalized pain management plans
Educational resources
Pros
Cons
Comprehensive pain management features
Limited information available about cons
Personalized approach
High quality score in research studies
Cost: Free
Use case
A chronic pain patient looking for a well-rounded app that combines tracking, personalized plans, and education.
Selecting the right app can be overwhelming. With so many options available, how do you pick the right app for your needs? Here’s how to make an informed choice.
Assess your specific needs and pain conditions
Start by evaluating your specific pain conditions. Are you dealing with neuropathic pain, or is it more related to a chronic condition? Choose an app that offers features tailored to your needs.
Consider ease of use
An app should be easy to navigate. Look for a user-friendly interface that allows you to access features quickly and efficiently.
Review data privacy and security features
Data privacy is crucial. Ensure the app complies with relevant data protection regulations and offers secure data storage.
Check compatibility with other devices
Make sure the app is compatible with your smartphone, tablet, or wearable devices. Compatibility ensures seamless integration and use.
When comparing these apps, consider what features are most important to you. Do you prefer detailed tracking, or is community support more valuable? Each app offers unique benefits, so choose one that aligns with your needs. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider about incorporating these tools into your overall pain management plan.
Integrating Apps into Your Pain Management Plan
Once you’ve chosen an app, the next step is to make it a regular part of your pain management routine.
Work with healthcare providers to use app data effectively
Share app data with your healthcare provider. This collaboration can lead to more informed treatment decisions and better pain management outcomes.
Combine app use with other pain management strategies
Apps should complement, not replace, other pain management strategies. Combine app use with physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes for optimal results.
Set realistic expectations for app benefits
Understand that while apps are helpful tools, they are not a cure-all. Set realistic expectations for what an app can achieve in managing your pain.
Tips for consistent app usage and data logging
Consistency is key. Regularly update the app with accurate information to track your progress and adjust your management strategies as needed.
Chronic pain management apps offer a ray of hope for those grappling with persistent pain. These digital tools empower users to take an active role in their pain management, providing valuable insights and support. However, these apps shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
By choosing the right app and integrating it into your overall pain management strategy, you can gain a better understanding of your condition and find more effective ways to cope. Embrace these technological advancements and take the first step towards a more manageable pain experience.
Gamwell, K. L., Kollin, S. R., Gibler, R. C., Bedree, H., Bieniak, K. H., Jagpal, A., Tran, S. T., Hommel, K. A., & Ramsey, R. R. (2021). Systematic evaluation of commercially available pain management apps examining behavior change techniques. Pain; 162(3), 856. doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002090
Rejula, V., Anitha, J., Belfin, R. V., & Peter, J. D. (2021). Chronic Pain Treatment and Digital Health Era-An Opinion. Frontiers in Public Health; 9, 779328. doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.779328
Rikard, S. M., Stahan, A. E., Schmit, K. M., & Guy Jr., G. P. (2023). Chronic Pain Amonf Adults – United States, 2019-2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:379–385. dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7215a1. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7215a1.htm
Zhao, P., Yoo, I., Lancey, R., & Varghese, E. (2019). Mobile applications for pain management: An app analysis for clinical usage. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making; 19. doi.org/10.1186/s12911-019-0827-7
The global market for prescription digital therapeutics (PDT) is expected to grow to $17.16 billion by 2030. This growth is mainly due to the affordability of digital health technology for both healthcare providers and patients, as well as the increasing use of smartphones in both developed and developing countries.
In this article, we’ll describe PDT, its applications, benefits, and challenges.
Prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) are a new class of medical interventions that leverage software to treat, manage, or prevent diseases and disorders. Unlike typical health apps, PDTs require a prescription from a healthcare provider and are subject to rigorous regulatory scrutiny.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), prescription digital therapeutics are medical devices, also called Software as a Medical Device (SaMD). The FDA review of prescription digital therapeutics is the same as the process the FDA uses to review medical devices.
Definition and key characteristics of PDTs
PDTs are software-based treatments delivered through mobile devices, designed to address the behavioral and psychological aspects of various health conditions. These digital tools are developed based on scientific evidence and aim to provide therapeutic benefits comparable to traditional medical treatments (Phan et al., 2023).
How PDTs differ from wellness apps and other digital health tools
While wellness apps focus on general health and fitness, PDTs are designed to treat specific medical conditions. PDTs undergo clinical trials, and are subject to stringent regulatory processes to ensure they meet high standards of safety and effectiveness. This regulatory oversight differentiates PDTs from other digital health tools, which may not require such rigorous evaluation.
The PDT regulatory framework
The FDA plays a critical role in the approval of PDTs. These therapeutics must demonstrate clinical efficacy and safety through rigorous trials before receiving FDA clearance. This process ensures that PDTs meet the same standards as traditional pharmaceuticals, providing healthcare providers and patients with confidence in their use (Phan et al., 2023).
The Science Behind Prescription Digital Therapeutics
PDTs are grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices to ensure their effectiveness in treating various health conditions.
Evidence-based approaches used in PDTs
PDTs incorporate evidence-based approaches to help patients change their behaviors and manage symptoms effectively, such as:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Used in PDTs for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, helping patients develop coping strategies.
For instance, CBT-based PDTs can help identify and change negative thought patterns, improving mental health outcomes. A study on a PDT for opioid use disorder found it improved retention in treatment by 76% at 12 weeks compared to treatment as usual (Brezing & Brixner, 2022).
Clinical trials and efficacy studies supporting PDTs
Clinical trials are essential for validating the efficacy of PDTs. These studies assess the therapeutic outcomes of PDTs compared to traditional treatments.
For example, trials have shown PDTs can be effective in managing substance use disorders and chronic insomnia, providing real-world evidence of their clinical benefits (Brezing & Brixner, 2022).
Applications of Prescription Digital Therapeutics
PDTs offer promising solutions across a range of medical conditions, providing tailored interventions for diverse patient needs.
Mental health conditions
PDTs are increasingly used to treat mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a randomized controlled trial, a PDT for depression reduced symptoms by 45.6% compared to 17.4% with usual treatment (Phan et al., 2023).
For chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, PDTs offer personalized management strategies. They enable continuous monitoring and data analysis, facilitating timely adjustments to treatment plans and improving patient outcomes (Phan et al., 2023).
A PDT for type 2 diabetes led to a 1.1% reduction in HbA1c levels after 6 months in a clinical trial (Phan et al., 2023).
Substance use disorders and addiction treatment
PDTs are particularly effective in treating substance use disorders, offering structured programs that support recovery. They provide patients with tools to manage cravings and develop healthier coping mechanisms, contributing to sustained recovery.
A couple of examples:
Research with 1,758 patients using a PDT for substance use disorder showed 64.1% abstinence at 12 months (Brezing & Brixner, 2022).
A PDT for alcohol use disorder resulted in 63% of patients reducing heavy drinking days compared to 32% receiving standard treatment (Rassi-Cruz et al., 2022).
Neurological disorders
Conditions such as ADHD and insomnia can benefit from PDTs, which offer targeted interventions to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. For instance, PDTs for insomnia often include sleep hygiene education and relaxation techniques to enhance sleep quality.
Benefits of Prescription Digital Therapeutics
PDTs offer numerous advantages that enhance patient care and healthcare delivery.
Improved accessibility to treatment
PDTs make healthcare more accessible by providing treatments that can be delivered remotely via mobile devices. This is particularly beneficial for individuals in underserved areas or those with mobility challenges, ensuring they receive timely care.
Personalized and adaptive interventions
PDTs can be tailored to individual patient needs, offering adaptive interventions that evolve based on real-time data. This personalization enhances treatment effectiveness and patient satisfaction (Phan et al., 2023).
Real-time data collection and analysis
The ability to collect and analyze data in real-time allows healthcare providers to monitor patient progress continuously. PDTs can collect patient data continuously, providing 1440 data points per day compared to 1-4 from traditional in-person visits. This facilitates early detection of issues and enables proactive adjustments to treatment plans, improving overall outcomes (Phan et al., 2023).
Reduced healthcare costs
By providing effective and scalable interventions, PDTs have the potential to reduce healthcare costs. They can decrease the need for in-person visits and hospitalizations, making them a cost-effective alternative to traditional treatments. For example, an economic analysis estimated PDTs could save $2,150 per patient per year for opioid use disorder treatment (Brezing & Brixner, 2022).
Challenges and Limitations of PDTs
Despite their benefits, PDTs face several challenges that must be addressed to maximize their potential.
Federal regulation lags behind software development
Digital therapeutics (DTx) are mobile medical apps that use new tech like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR). They’re always changing, with new versions coming out every few months, which makes them hard to regulate.
A problem with a DTx app could hurt someone’s health, so to keep DTx safe for consumers without stopping progress, software companies need to self-regulate–find ways to reduce risks and follow ethical rules on their own to help patients and build trust with their doctors.
One way to self-regulate is to involve clinicians in app development. Doctors know what patients need and can spot potential problems. But surprisingly, most health apps are made without input from medical experts. A study found only 20% of health apps included input from health professionals during development (Rassi-Cruz et al., 2022).
Data privacy and security concerns
The collection and storage of sensitive health data raise significant privacy and security concerns. Ensuring robust data protection measures is crucial to maintaining patient trust and compliance with regulations (Phan et al., 2023).
Integration with existing healthcare systems
Integrating PDTs into existing healthcare infrastructures can be complex. Seamless integration is necessary to ensure that PDTs complement traditional treatments and fit within the broader healthcare ecosystem.
Patient adherence and engagement
Maintaining patient engagement with PDTs can be challenging.
For example, take mental health apps that use CBT or provide feedback through wearables like smartwatches. While helpful, these apps often aren’t covered by insurance, and patients may pay out-of-pocket. They often give up if they don’t see quick results.
Ensuring that patients adhere to prescribed digital therapies is essential for achieving desired outcomes, requiring strategies to enhance motivation and commitment. Pharmacists can help by encouraging patients to stick with the apps and complete all modules (Pharmacy Times, 2024).
Reimbursement and insurance coverage issues
Securing reimbursement for PDTs remains a hurdle, as insurance companies may be hesitant to cover these relatively new treatments. Establishing clear guidelines and demonstrating cost-effectiveness may help overcome this barrier.
The Future of Prescription Digital Therapeutics
The future of PDTs is promising, with advancements in technology and expanding applications poised to enhance their impact on healthcare.
Emerging trends and technologies in PDTs
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning are set to make a big change in PDTs. These innovations can enhance personalization and predictive capabilities, improving treatment outcomes and patient experiences.
Potential for combination therapies
Combining PDTs with traditional treatments offers a holistic approach to healthcare. This synergy can enhance therapeutic outcomes by addressing multiple aspects of a patient’s condition, providing comprehensive care (Phan et al., 2023).
Expanding applications in preventive care and wellness
PDTs hold potential for preventive care by identifying and addressing health risks early. Their application in wellness can promote healthier lifestyles and prevent the onset of chronic diseases, contributing to improved public health.
Conclusion
In digital health, PDTs offer promising avenues for improving patient outcomes, increasing access to care, and potentially reducing healthcare costs. While challenges remain, the growing body of evidence supporting PDTs suggests that they will play an increasingly important role in the future of healthcare delivery.
As patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike embrace these innovative tools, we can look forward to a more personalized, accessible, and effective approach to managing a wide range of health conditions.
References
Bashran, E. (2024). Prescription Digital Therapeutics: Devices. HealthAffairs. Retrieved from
Brezing, C. A., & Brixner, D. I. (2022). The Rise of Prescription Digital Therapeutics In Behavioral Health. Journal of Behavioral Health; 11(4), 1-10. doi: 10.1007/s12325-022-02320-0
Phan, P., Mitragotri, S., & Zhao, Z. (2023). Digital therapeutics in the clinic. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine; 8(4), e10536. doi:10.1002/btm2.10536.
Rassi-Cruz, M., Valente, F., & Caniza, M. V. (2022). Digital therapeutics and the need for regulation: How to develop products that are innovative, patient-centric and safe. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome; 14. doi.org/10.1186/s13098-022-00818-9
Wang, C. Lee, C. & Shin, H. (2023). Digital therapeutics from bench to bedside. npj Digital Medicine; 6(1), 1-10. doi.org/10.1038/s41746-023-00777-z
In health apps, gamification in health apps involves incorporating game-like elements into non-gaming contexts to enhance user engagement and motivation.
This strategy approach uses the fun and competitive aspects of games to promote healthier habits. By integrating features like points, badges, and leaderboards, health apps aim to make achieving wellness goals more enjoyable and rewarding.
Points: Users earn points for completing tasks, such as logging workouts or reaching step goals. These points can be used to unlock new levels or rewards.
Rewards and Badges: Achievements are recognized with badges, providing users with a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue their healthy habits.
Leaderboards and Ratings: Users can see how they rank against others, fostering a sense of competition and community.
Progress Bars: A measurement of success toward a goal.
How gamification taps into human psychology for motivation
Gamification taps into motivation from intrinsic (inner) and extrinsic (outside) sources by providing immediate feedback and rewards. The sense of progress and achievement encourages users to stick with their health routines.
For example, earning a badge for completing a week of workouts can boost a user’s confidence and drive to maintain their exercise regimen. This approach leverages psychological principles such as the desire for mastery and social recognition, making health goals more attainable and engaging (Gkintoni et al., 2024; Berger & Jung, 2024).
Having users do specific exercises to treat ailments
Completing competitive milestones
Sharing progress with other users
Benefits of Gamified Health Apps
Now that we know what health app gamification is, let’s explore why it’s so effective.
Increased engagement and retention
Gamified health apps keep users engaged by making health activities fun and interactive. Features like daily challenges and quests encourage regular app use, increasing retention rates. People are more likely to stick with an app that provides a sense of accomplishment and community.
Enhanced motivation for reaching health goals
By setting clear goals and providing rewards, gamified apps motivate users to pursue their health objectives. Whether it’s losing weight, building muscle, or improving mental health, the game-like structure helps users stay focused and committed.
Note that all rewards aren’t created equal. For instance, one study with three groups of nutrition app users had different preferences (Berger & Jung, 2024):
Older men who like routines prefer coupons and points.
Mid-30s women who are open to new things prefer progress bars and leaderboards.
People with high self-worth prefer progress bars and goals, but dislike social features.
These preferences relate to personality traits and demographics.
Social support and accountability through competition
Leaderboards and social sharing features create a sense of community and accountability. Users can compete with friends or join groups to tackle challenges together, fostering a supportive environment that encourages continued participation.
Improved health outcomes and behavior change
People often quit forming healthy habits over time. They may start off excited and invest a lot, but give up when the initial thrill fades.
Offers a path to goals with small time investments
Reinforces new behaviors along the way
Allows a gradual increase in effort once habits are formed
Keeps people motivated and committed
Studies have shown that gamification can lead to significant behavior changes and improved health outcomes. By making healthy habits more appealing, users are more likely to adopt and maintain them over time. For instance, nutrition apps using gamification have been effective in promoting healthier eating habits (Berger & Jung, 2024).
In short, gamification makes it easier to start and stick with healthy habits by breaking the process into fun, manageable steps. It helps overcome the common problem of people giving up when things get tough, by keeping them engaged and slowly building up their efforts over time.
Popular Features in Gamified Health Apps
To better understand how these apps work, let’s look at some of their key features.
Virtual rewards and achievements
Virtual rewards such as badges and trophies recognize user accomplishments, providing a sense of achievement and encouraging continued engagement. These rewards can be shared on social media, boosting user motivation through social recognition.
Challenges and quests
Challenges and quests offer users specific tasks to complete, such as a 30-day fitness challenge. These features provide structure and goals, making it easier for users to stay on track with their health objectives.
Progress tracking and visual representations
Visual progress tracking, such as graphs and charts, helps users see their improvements over time. This feature reinforces positive behavior by showing tangible results, motivating users to continue their efforts.
Social sharing and community building
Social features allow users to share their achievements and progress with friends and family. This creates a sense of community and support, which can be crucial for maintaining motivation and accountability.
Wearables and health apps
Mobile apps and wearable gadgets with game-like features also make health fun. These tools help people enjoy working out, eating better, and keeping track of their progress. Fitness trackers and smartwatches, let users set goals, count steps, check their heart rate, and get personal tips.
Augmented and virtual reality
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are two technologies that can make you feel like you’re in another world, or add digital elements to what you see. They’re also helpful to make patients feel better and teach clinicians new skills.
Top Gamified Health Apps in the Market
With all these benefits and features in mind, you might be wondering which apps to try.
Overview of leading apps using gamification
Several health apps use gamification to enhance engagement. They’ve gained popularity for their innovative use of game mechanics:
Fitbit: Offers activity tracking and challenges, appealing to fitness enthusiasts.
Mango Health: Reminds and motivates patients to take their medications as prescribed.
MyFitnessPal: Focuses on nutrition tracking with a large food database to help those who want to improve their diet and/or lose weight.
Zombies, Run!: Combines storytelling with running, attracting users who enjoy immersive experiences.
User reviews and success stories
Users often praise these apps for making health activities more enjoyable and motivating. Success stories highlight significant weight loss, improved fitness levels, and better overall health, demonstrating the effectiveness of gamified health apps.
Designing Effective Health App Gamification
To create a successful gamified health app, consider more than just adding fun elements—it also requires careful planning and consideration.
Balance between fun and health goals
Designing a gamified health app requires balancing entertainment with health objectives. The app should be engaging without distracting from the main goal of improving health.
Personalization and adaptability
Personalization is key to keeping users engaged. Apps should offer customizable goals and challenges to cater to individual preferences and fitness levels. Adaptability ensures that users remain motivated as they progress.
Regulatory and ethical considerations (like addiction)
The FDA oversees health-related software as medical devices, referred to as “software as a medical device.” Games that help with diseases might need approval and doctor supervision. The FDA is working on a new plan to focus on digital health products that could be risky for patients.
Beware of addictive behavior
While gamification can enhance motivation, it’s important to avoid creating addictive behaviors, like “internet gaming disorder.” So health apps need to set fair goals.
For example, step goals should match a person’s health and abilities. Setting goals too high can cause stress and be harmful. The aim should be to motivate, not manipulate. Good health apps respect users’ choices and clearly explain how they use game-like features to help.
Because of these concerns, experts think these apps should be tested for safety before people can use them. Developers should focus on promoting healthy habits without encouraging excessive app use or dependency.
Maximizing Your Experience with Gamified Health Apps
Now that you know what to look for in a gamified health app, here are some tips to get the most out of your experience.
Setting realistic goals and expectations
It’s important to set achievable goals that align with your lifestyle and fitness level. Realistic expectations prevent frustration and help maintain motivation.
Engaging with the app’s community features
Participating in community features, such as forums or group challenges, provides additional support and accountability. Engaging with others can enhance your experience and keep you motivated.
Combining app use with real-world activities
While gamified apps are a valuable tool, combining them with real-world activities can enhance your health journey. For example, use a fitness app to track outdoor runs or join a local sports team for social interaction.
Tracking progress and celebrating milestones
Regularly tracking your progress and celebrating milestones can boost motivation and reinforce positive behavior. Acknowledge your achievements and use them as motivation to continue your health journey.
Conclusion
Health app gamification can make the journey to our wellness goals more fun. By incorporating game-like elements, these apps make health activities more rewarding, which can lead to improved health outcomes and sustained behavior change. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, diet, or mental health, gamified health apps provide a fun and effective way to achieve your goals.
Ready to level up your health game? Download a gamified health app today and start your fun-filled path to better wellness!
References
Berger, M., & Jung, C. Gamification preferences in nutrition apps: Toward healthier diets and food choices. Digital Health; 10. doi.org/10.1177/20552076241260482
Gkintoni, E., Vantaraki, F., Skoulidi, C., Anastassopoulos, P., & Vantarakis, A. (2024). Promoting Physical and Mental Health among Children and Adolescents via Gamification—A Conceptual Systematic Review. Behavioral Sciences; 14(2). doi.org/10.3390/bs14020102
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a 78% uptick in telehealth usage. As we look to the future, telehealth is poised to become an integral part of healthcare delivery.
This article explores the exciting innovations and trends that will shape the future of telehealth, promising to enhance patient care, improve accessibility, and streamline healthcare operations.
To understand the future of telehealth, we first need to look at the new technologies that are changing how we provide care.
The future of telehealth is closely tied to advancements in technology. Several cutting-edge innovations are set to reshape virtual care in the coming years.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning in diagnostics
AI and machine learning (ML) can analyze large amounts of medical data to assist healthcare providers in making more accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
For example, AI-powered diagnostic tools can examine medical images like X-rays or MRIs and flag potential issues for review by human doctors.
AI chatbots are also being developed to conduct initial patient screenings and triage. These chatbots can ask patients about their symptoms and medical history, then direct them to appropriate care options whether that’s a virtual doctor visit, in-person visit, or emergency services.
Internet of Medical Things for remote patient monitoring
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) refers to connected medical devices and applications that can collect and transmit health data. This technology enables continuous remote monitoring of patients’ vital signs and other health metrics.
Smart inhalers that track usage and environmental triggers for asthma patients
5G networks enabling real-time, high-quality video visits
The rollout of 5G networks dramatically improves the quality and reliability of video-based telehealth services. 5G offers much faster data speeds and lower latency compared to 4G networks.
For instance, a 2018 study in the Journal of Visualized Experiments found that VR-based physical therapy for stroke patients greatly improved upper limb function compared to conventional therapy (Choi & Paik, 2018).
While technology is important, telehealth’s real strength is in making specialized care available to more people.
Expanding Access to Specialized Care
One of telehealth’s greatest promises is improving access to specialized medical care, especially for underserved populations.
Telepsychiatry bridging the mental health treatment gap
Mental health care has long suffered from accessibility issues, with many areas facing severe shortages of psychiatrists and therapists. Telepsychiatry is helping to bridge this gap.
A 2016 study in the World Journal of Psychiatry found that telepsychiatry was as effective as in-person care for treating depression, with the added benefit of increased patient satisfaction and engagement (Hubley et al., 2016).
Tele-oncology services for cancer patients in rural areas
School-based telehealth programs improving pediatric care
School-based telehealth programs are emerging as a powerful tool for improving children’s health, especially in underserved communities. These programs typically involve:
On-site telehealth equipment in school nurse offices
Halterman et al (2017) found that school-based telehealth programs reduced emergency department visits and improved asthma outcomes for children in rural communities.
Virtual second opinions from leading medical experts
Telehealth is making it easier for patients to get second opinions from top specialists, regardless of geographic location. This can be particularly valuable for complex or rare conditions.
Several major medical centers now offer formal virtual second opinion programs. For example, the Mayo Clinic’s eConsults program provides written second opinions from Mayo Clinic specialists based on a review of medical records and test results.
Telehealth is also changing how we approach personalized care and monitoring for patients.
Personalized Medicine and Remote Monitoring
The integration of telehealth with other digital health technologies is enabling more personalized and proactive care.
Wearable devices for continuous health tracking
Wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers are increasingly being used for medical monitoring. These devices can track:
Heart rate and rhythm
Blood oxygen levels
Sleep patterns
Physical activity levels
Stress indicators
This continuous data collection allows for more comprehensive health monitoring between doctor visits.
Monitoring services are poised to continue incredible growth over the next several years, as depicted in the following chart (Gupta, 2024).
Source: Appinventiv
AI-powered predictive analytics for early intervention
Genomics and telehealth integration for tailored treatments
The combination of telehealth and genomic medicine is opening up new possibilities for personalized treatment plans. Patients can now receive genetic counseling and testing remotely, with results informing tailored treatment recommendations.
For example, pharmacogenomic testing can help determine which medications are likely to be most effective for a particular patient based on their genetic profile.
Remote medication management and adherence monitoring
Poor medication adherence is a major challenge in healthcare, contributing to worse health outcomes and increased costs. Telehealth-enabled medication management tools can help by:
Tracking medication usage through smart pill bottles or ingestible sensors
Allowing remote adjustments to medication regimens
Providing education about medications and potential side effects
As telehealth grows, we need to update the rules and regulations that guide its use.
Regulatory Considerations and Telehealth Adoption
The rapid growth of telehealth has prompted significant regulatory changes, with more likely to come as the technology continues to evolve.
Evolving reimbursement policies for virtual care
One of the biggest barriers to telehealth adoption has been inconsistent reimbursement policies. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant policy changes:
Medicare expanded coverage for telehealth services.
Many private insurers increased telehealth coverage.
Some states mandated payment parity between in-person and virtual visits.
As we move forward, key questions include:
Will expanded telehealth coverage become permanent?
How will reimbursement rates for virtual care compare to in-person visits?
What types of telehealth services will be covered?
Data privacy and security considerations in telehealth
The growth of telehealth raises important questions about patient data privacy and security. Key concerns include ways to:
Ensure secure transmission of sensitive medical information
Protect patient data stored in telehealth platforms
Maintain privacy during video visits
Healthcare providers and telehealth companies must comply with regulations like HIPAA in the U.S.
Licensing and cross-state practice regulations
Traditionally, healthcare providers have been limited to practicing in states where they hold a license. This poses challenges for telehealth, which can easily cross state lines.
Ensuring continuity of care between virtual and in-person visits
Adapting billing and administrative processes for telehealth
Health providers are set to invest heavily in virtual health applications in the next 5 to 10 years, as shown in the following chart (Gupta, 2024).
Source: Appinventiv
Managing patient expectations and building trust in virtual care
For many patients, telehealth represents a significant shift in how they receive care. Building trust and managing expectations is crucial for successful adoption.
Providing technical support for patients using telehealth platforms
A recent Health Information National Trends Survey found that 70% of U.S. adults with recent telehealth visits used audio-video, and 75% felt their telehealth visits were as good as in-person care (Spaulding et al., 2024).
Conclusion
As technology advances and adoption grows, we can expect more personalized, accessible, and efficient care. However, success will depend on addressing challenges such as the digital divide and regulatory hurdles.
By embracing AI and other technological innovations, we can create a healthcare system that truly meets the needs of patients in the digital age. Patients, providers, and policymakers must work together to shape this exciting future of healthcare.
References
Choi, H., & Paik, J. (2018). Mobile Game-based Virtual Reality Program for Upper Extremity Stroke Rehabilitation. Journal of Visualized Experiments: JoVE; (133). doi.org/10.3791/56241
Halterman, J. S., Tajon, R., Tremblay, P., Fagnano, M., Butz, A., Perry, T., & McConnochie, K. (2017). Development of School-Based Asthma Management Programs in Rochester, NY Presented in Honor of Dr. Robert Haggerty. Academic Pediatrics; 17(6), 595. doi.org/10.1016/j.acap.2017.04.008
Hubley, S., Lynch, S. B., Schneck, C., Thomas, M., & Shore, J. (2016). Review of key telepsychiatry outcomes. World Journal of Psychiatry, 6(2), 269–282. doi.org/10.5498/wjp.v6.i2.269
Spaulding, E. M., Fang, M., Chen, Y., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Himmelfarb, C. R., Martin, S. S., & Coresh, J. (2024). Satisfaction with Telehealth Care in the United States: Cross-Sectional Survey. Telemed J E Health. 2024 Jun;30(6):1549-1558. doi:10.1089/tmj.2023.0531
This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting RPM devices, so you can make informed decisions that benefit patients and healthcare teams.
RPM devices come in various forms, each with its own strengths and limitations. Let’s explore the main types.
Wearable devices
Wearable devices like smartwatches and patches offer continuous monitoring with minimal disruption to the patient’s daily life. They’re useful for tracking metrics like heart rate, activity levels, and sleep patterns.
Example: Some smartwatches can monitor blood oxygen levels, a feature especially useful for patients with respiratory conditions.
Home-based monitoring systems
These devices are designed for periodic measurements at home. They’re typically used for monitoring vital signs like blood pressure, weight, and blood glucose levels.
For certain conditions, implantable devices offer the most comprehensive and continuous monitoring. These are typically used for serious cardiac conditions.
Modern implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) can monitor heart rhythm continuously and transmit data to healthcare providers, allowing for early detection of potentially life-threatening arrhythmias (Sahu et al., 2023).
Assessing Patient Needs and Preferences
Choosing the right RPM device isn’t just about the technology—it’s about finding a solution that fits the patient’s lifestyle and capabilities.
Consider the patient’s age and tech-savviness
Not all patients are equally comfortable with technology. When selecting an RPM device, consider the patient’s familiarity with digital devices.
For older adults or those less comfortable with technology, look for devices with simple, straightforward interfaces. Some blood pressure monitors, for instance, require just a single button press to take a reading and automatically sync data to a smartphone app.
Evaluate mobility and dexterity requirements
Some patients may have physical limitations that make certain devices harder to use. Consider devices that are easy to handle and don’t require complex movements.
For example, wrist-worn blood pressure monitors can be easier for patients with arthritis to use compared to traditional upper arm cuffs.
Address privacy and security concerns
Many patients are concerned about the privacy and security of their health data. Look for devices and systems that prioritize data protection.
Ensure that the RPM system you choose complies with HIPAA regulations and uses strong encryption methods to protect patient data during transmission and storage.
Key Features to Look for in RPM Devices
When evaluating RPM devices, it’s crucial to focus on several key features that can make or break your experience.
Data accuracy and reliability
The cornerstone of any effective RPM system is its ability to provide accurate and reliable data. After all, what good is a monitoring device if you can’t trust the information it provides?
Look for devices that have been clinically validated and FDA-approved. These certifications ensure that the device has undergone rigorous testing and meets high standards for accuracy.
Example: The Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor has been shown to have a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 8.2%, indicating high accuracy in measuring blood glucose levels.
Ease of use for patients
The success of an RPM program depends in part on patient adherence. If a device is too complicated or cumbersome to use, patients are less likely to use it.
Consider devices with intuitive interfaces and clear instructions. For instance, some blood pressure monitors feature large, easy-to-read displays and one-touch operation, making them ideal for older adults or those with limited dexterity.
Battery life and power options
Nothing’s more frustrating than a device that constantly needs charging or battery replacement. Look for devices with long battery life or convenient charging options.
Some wearable devices, like certain fitness trackers, can last up to a week on a single charge. Others, like certain blood glucose monitors, use replaceable batteries that can last for months.
Bluetooth: Ideal for short-range communication with smartphones or tablets.
Wi-Fi: Allows for direct data transmission to the cloud when in range of a network.
Cellular: Offers the most flexibility, allowing data transmission from anywhere with cellular coverage.
For example, some modern pacemakers can transmit data via cellular networks, allowing for continuous monitoring without the need for a separate transmitter.
Compatibility with Existing Healthcare Systems
RPM systems should fit into existing workflows seamlessly. Here’s what to look for.
Integration with electronic health records (EHR)
An RPM system that integrates with your EHR can streamline data management and improve efficiency. Look for systems that offer API integration or direct data transfer to your EHR system.
For instance, some RPM platforms can automatically populate patient data into EHR systems like Epic or Cerner, saving time and reducing the risk of data entry errors.
Data transmission and storage capabilities
Consider how the RPM system handles data transmission and storage. Look for systems that offer:
While the benefits of RPM are clear, cost considerations are important for both healthcare providers and patients.
Initial device costs
The upfront cost of RPM devices can vary widely. Simple devices like blood pressure monitors may cost less than $100, while more advanced systems can run thousands of dollars.
Consider the long-term value rather than just the initial cost. A more expensive device that offers better accuracy and reliability could be more cost-effective in the long run.
Subscriptions and service fees
Many RPM systems involve ongoing fees for data storage, analysis, and support. These costs can add up over time, so it’s important to factor them into your decision.
Some providers offer all-inclusive packages that cover the device, data transmission, and analysis for a fixed monthly fee. This can make budgeting more predictable.
Reimbursement options and insurance coverage
The good news is that many insurance plans cover RPM services, including Medicare. However, coverage can vary depending on the specific device and condition being monitored.
Medicare reimburses for RPM services under CPT codes 99453, 99454, 99457, and 99458. Use these codes to cover device setup, data transmission, and time spent on RPM-related care for your Medicare patients.
Assessing Vendor Support and Reliability
The relationship with your RPM vendor doesn’t end when you purchase the system. Ongoing support is crucial for the success of your RPM program. Here’s what to look for.
Customer service and technical support
Look for vendors that offer comprehensive support, including:
24/7 technical assistance
Multiple support channels (phone, email, chat)
Resources for patient education
Some vendors even offer dedicated account managers to help healthcare providers optimize their RPM programs.
Device maintenance and updates
RPM technology is constantly evolving. Choose a vendor that provides regular software updates and has a clear process for hardware maintenance or replacement.
For example, some vendors offer automatic over-the-air updates for their devices, ensuring they’re always running the latest software.
Training for healthcare providers and patients
The success of an RPM program often hinges on proper training. Look for vendors that offer comprehensive training programs for both healthcare providers and patients.
This may include:
In-person or virtual training sessions
Online resources and tutorials
Ongoing education about new features or best practices
Some vendors even offer patient onboarding services to help get your RPM program up and running smoothly.
Conclusion
Choosing the right RPM system or device involves careful consideration of various factors, from technical specifications to patient needs and regulatory compliance. By focusing on these key areas, you can select an RPM solution that enhances patient care, improves outcomes, and integrates seamlessly with your existing healthcare routine.
The goal is to find devices that monitor health effectively and integrate seamlessly into patients’ lives and your healthcare workflows. Take the time to thoroughly evaluate your options, and don’t hesitate to ask vendors for demonstrations or trial periods before making a decision.
With the right RPM system in place, you can provide more personalized care to your patients, no matter where they are. Stay informed about the latest options so you can make the best choices for your patients and practice.
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