Telemonitoring available for high-risk heart failure patients
Priority Health is now offering telemonitoring services to heart failure (HF) patients who are at high risk of admission or readmission for exacerbations of their condition. Telemonitoring uses home monitoring equipment to measure a patient's weight, blood pressure and pulse, and transmits clinical data to a registered nurse in a central location. Changes in clinical data prompt a call to the patient, and education or assessment is provided as needed. The patient's physician is notified of a significant change in the member's clinical status and can receive trended data to monitor the patient's progress over time. Patients who are eligible for this service include those who have a history of HF and have:
- Been treated recently as an inpatient or in the emergency department for HF
- A history of failing to adhere to their HF treatment plan and are at risk for an acute episode
- Renal failure as defined as GFR<30, hepatic failure or coronary disease that puts the patient at risk for myocardial function compromise
- Other high risk situations will be considered by Priority Health’s medical director
What is the physician's role?
- Assist in identifying patients who could benefit from telemonitoring.
- Order telemonitoring for your patient.
- Identify parameters within which you would like your patient to remain. When the patient falls outside of these parameters, a clinician will follow up with the patient as appropriate. You can also identify a protocol of activities (such as medication adjustment) based on identified parameters.
- Work collaboratively with the home health agency doing the telemonitoring to make adjustments when the patient’s condition warrants (such as adjusting medications, adjusting parameters, etc).
Telemonitoring is offered free of charge (no out-of-pocket costs) to most Priority Health members. Additional information can be found on our website in the
Procedures & Services section of the Provider Manual.
Topics: Condition management, Heart disease
