LHC Home Telemonitoring Solution – An effective approach for reducing readmissions

Telemonitoring

Home telemonitoring provides timely information for clinical intervention and provides important information and support to patients living at home, especially after a recent hospitalization. A telemonitoring program enhances our ability to make a more-informed clinical decision and allows the patient to be more actively involved in caring for themselves.

Patients enrolled in the program take one or more of their vital signs every day using select monitoring devices, including weight, blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, and ECG rhythm using wireless devices provided by LHC Group. The patient may also enter their vital signs or other measurements such as temperature, HbA1c, PT/INR, blood glucose level, and respiratory rate. Results are automatically transmitted to our office where our staff is able to closely monitor and react to this information.

The home telemonitoring solution also prompts the patient to answer clinician-directed health and risk assessment questions and automatically transmits this information to our office. Our staff reviews the patient’s responses and can alert the patient and/or physician when a vital sign measurement or survey response falls outside established parameters. The home monitoring solution can also present the patient with educational information directly related to their condition.

Daily monitoring has been proven to extend the reach of care. This assures us at LHC Group that patients are getting the attention they need every day. And a consistent monitoring schedule provides physicians timely information and greater awareness of the patient’s condition.

The home monitoring tools are simple and the information provided is reliable. Basic vital sign measurements are useful indicators of a patient’s condition. In addition to monitoring the symptoms of decline – such as abnormal weight gain, increased blood pressure, shortness of breath, fatigue and edema – the system also triggers automated health assessments and generalized information specific to the patient’s condition.

By tracking the patient’s vital signs on a daily basis, earlier interventions by our clinical team can prevent avoidable hospitalizations for patients with chronic illnesses. Home telemonitoring can identify a negative trend of the patient’s condition and with quick action taken by our staff, avoid potential adverse events such as an emergency room visit or hospitalization, both of which are costly to the healthcare system as well as the patient’s quality of life.

ECG Monitoring

Home ECG monitoring offers a simple yet effective way to monitor patients in the comfort of their home. Compact and lightweight, the rhythm strip recorder includes a one-size-fits-all wristbands and operates with a single push of a button. The 16-second reading is automatically transmitted to our office for review and if needed, we notify the physician regarding any abnormalities noted. The nurse can also print and fax the rhythm strip to the physician for clear and concise communication.

What does it cost?

For those patients that can benefit from this program, there is no cost to the patient.

* Not all services available at all locations.