The Right RPM Devices Matter – Part 2

In Part 1 of The Right Devices Matter, we discussed why easy-to-use, accurate cellular devices are so important for launching and growing an RPM program. We made specific recommendations on a best-in-class blood pressure device and weight scale. This blog will explore cellular glucometers and pulse oximeters that can help drive patient adherence and engagement.

The basics of a great device

For most practices, the majority of RPM patients are older, Medicare patients. This means they are not digital natives and most likely prefer to manage chronic diseases like diabetes and COPD without complicated apps.

That’s why we recommend devices that are:

• Clinically validated with advanced technology that enhances accuracy
• Simple to use and cellular-enabled
• Multi-network to avoid coverage gaps
• Backed by a strong device management platform

The complexity of glucometers - continuous vs. non-continuous

Glucometers are inherently one of the more complex devices used in RPM programs for multiple reasons that all factor into selecting the right device for your patients.

1. Data analysis: Unlike blood pressure and weight, where a reading once a day is sufficient, patients with diabetes need to check their blood sugar frequently and also track how food consumption impacts blood sugar. Devices with Bluetooth apps can provide more predictive data to help diabetics manage their blood sugar, but they are inherently more complex and can deter engagement. RPM inherently shifts the burden of analyzing data from the patient to the monitoring clinician so simple cellular readings are sufficient.

2. Continuous vs. non-continuous: Continuous glucometers (CGMs) eliminate finger sticks, which can be appealing to many patients, but they have disadvantages as well. Most CGMs are Bluetooth-enabled which presents challenges for non-digital natives. They are more expensive and Medicare has specific criteria that must be met for a patient to qualify, so many patients may not be eligible or have to jump through more insurance hoops to get coverage. Some insurances will cover one type of CGM but not others, making it difficult for practices to supply a CGM that works for a broad range of patients.

3. Disposable supplies: Glucometers require ongoing disposable supplies (lancets, control solutions, or disposable sensors for CGMs) that most RPM devices don’t need. For many patients, the cost of these supplies can be a challenge. CGM supplies tend to be more expensive and more likely to be denied.

Our choice for cellular glucometers

For most practices, a CGM may benefit a small number of patients, but the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of a simple glucometer often outweigh the benefits of CGMs for most patients. We recommend the Continua cellular glucometer, which has the following benefits:

• Multi-network, secure cellular coverage: Works across multiple networks to ensure the broadest coverage and has a built-in security-whitelisted network, which only allows trusted endpoints.
• Advanced technology for superior accuracy: HCT correction technology for a wide HCT range of 20% to 70%, integrated blood glucose meter SOC solution, and test strips with 8 electrodes that eliminate interference from HCT, and temperature and automatically check for humidity exposure, sufficient sample size, and test strip damage. 100% of results from the TeleBGM 2282-G are within ±15% of the YSI plasma results.
• Clean and hygienic: Test strips will be returned automatically without contact from human hands.
• Simple operation: Auto-sync with no complex set-up, Bluetooth pairing, or app updates.
• Large memory: Stores 500 results with time, date, and meal marker.
• Sample size: Only 0.8 μL required.
• Fast results: 5 seconds.
• Rechargeable battery: Eliminates replacement battery expense.

The simplicity of the Continua glucometer combined with an easy-to-use, secure device management makes providing high-quality, effective devices easy for any RPM program.

Our recommended pulse oximeter

The Continua cellular pulse oximeter is an easy-to-use way to measure blood oxygen (SpO2) and pulse rate (PR) by simply clipping the device to any finger. Measurements are immediately uploaded to the RPM platform through a multi-network 4G network.

Features include:

• Medically certified accuracy
• Detects 35% - 100% with ±2% (80%-100%) and ±3% (70%-79%)
• Pulse rate detects 25-250 bpm with accuracy ±3 bpm

The right device + the right device platform

Your RPM team should be focused on serving clients and engaging patients, not device operations. Continua makes it easy to get clinically-accurate cellular devices with enterprise-grade security. Contact us to learn more. Looking for information about our recommended best blood pressure device and weight scale – check out Part 1 of our device series.