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Telehealth monitoring has been proven to reduce unnecessary
visits to the physician, emergency care and hospital
readmissions, all of which means better health, greater patient
satisfaction and improved quality of life.
Telehealth monitoring is the collection and review of patient
data for the purpose of health supervision and management.
Monitoring of health status, activities and symptoms takes place
through an easy to use modem, plugged into a telephone jack.
Daily and as-needed measurements can be made of heart rate,
blood pressure, weight, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose
levels.
How It Works
The telehealth monitoring devices are simple and easy to use.
The patient takes his vital signs and other data as ordered by
the physician (blood glucose levels, weight, oxygen saturation)
and with the touch of a button, the readings are sent to the
Care Center.
A team of clinicians and Care Center representatives monitor
these readings. If the readings are not in line with the
expectations set in the care plan, the patient is contacted to
ensure they are ok.
A nurse will visit the patient if needed or emergency
personnel may be contacted.
If the Care Center does not receive a patient's vital signs
within a specific time frame, according to their care plan, the
patient is called and given a reminder to take their vital
signs.
Patient data collected and reviewed in this way on a daily
basis helps our nurses determine whether the patient may need
nursing or physician intervention.
Candidates for Monitoring
Patients who are good candidates for monitoring are
identified by The Thorne Group and are usually those with
- Repeated hospitalizations or ER visits for chronic
conditions
- Any condition requiring frequent monitoring or tracking
of vital signs to assist in clinical management (congested
heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, COPD)
- Chronic care needs which can be monitored at home,
thereby preventing admission to long-term care facilities
- Dietary and medication changes requiring frequent
monitoring
The Benefits of Telehealth Monitoring
The benefits of telehealth monitoring are considerable.
- Monitoring encourages patient self-management by
reinforcing positive behavior and lifestyle changes.
- The patient and concerned family members have peace of
mind that a health professional is monitoring patient vital
signs on a daily basis and communicating important
information to the physician.
- Patient and caregiver participate in the plan of care,
improving outcomes.
- The use of telehealth monitoring has been proven to
decrease hospitalization and ER use.
Cost and Payment Options
Currently, Medicare-eligible patients who meet the selection
criteria will be provided telehealth monitoring at no cost.
Patients not covered by Medicare have the option of being
monitored for a fee.
Medical Alert-Personal Emergency Response Units
These systems provide subscribers with a way to call for help
if they are injured or become ill and cannot get to a phone.
Any older person who has a history of falls or has a medical
condition that might require urgent medical attention should
have a medical alert system.
These systems provide fast access to help, 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. They are easy to use. The
subscriber presses a small button that is worn around the neck
or wrist. The signal is sent to an emergency response
center. Trained personnel answer each call promptly and
summon the appropriates assistance (family, neighbor,
ambulance).
These features allow the subscriber to continue an
independent lifestyle, assured that help is close at hand.
The Medical Alert System offers peace of mind to the family and
friends of the subscriber.
Automated Medication Dispensers
Automated pill dispensers provide a way to help seniors
better manage their medications. It is estimated that at
least 55% of older adults do not take medications as prescribed
by their doctor. Likewise, it is estimated that 30% of all
hospital admissions for people over 65 are directly related to
medication noncompliance.
These easy-to-use pill dispensers provide a way to help
seniors take the right medications at the right time. The
device alerts the patient with an audible alarm and flashing
lights when it is time to take their
medication with an audible alarm and flashing lights. The
locked device automatically dispenses a dose of medication at
predetermined times and contacts a 24 hour care center if the
medication is not taken from the dispenser. The device
will call the patient to make sure they are ok, and if there is
no response, their contact person will be called.
Medication Dispensing Services helps reassure family members and
caregivers that their loved one will get the right medication at the
right time.
For more information, please see
www.monitoringcare.com.
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