The Foundation of RPM: Reliable Devices

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) doesn't work without great devices. They're the bridge between patients and providers—and the smoother that bridge, the better the outcomes.

At Tellihealth, we believe devices should be the easiest part of the RPM experience. They should empower patients to manage their health from home and allow providers to monitor, assess, and intervene as needed—without tech headaches.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know: how RPM devices work, which ones are essential, how to evaluate your options, and what to demand from your RPM partner.

What Is an RPM Device?

An RPM device uses sensors to track health data—like blood pressure, glucose, or sleep metrics—and sends that data to your care team. While consumer wearables like Apple Watches track some of this data, they aren’t clinical-grade and don’t report to healthcare providers.

Tellihealth’s cellular-enabled devices connect directly to our remote monitoring platform (formerly Evelyn) without the need for WiFi, smartphones, or apps. This ensures seamless, real-time data transmission and reduces barriers for patients.

Key Features of Great RPM Devices

All RPM devices are not created equal. When evaluating your options, consider these five critical factors:

1. Ease of Use

Patients shouldn’t need tech skills to manage their health. Devices should be intuitive, with minimal setup. Providers benefit too—easier onboarding means less time troubleshooting and more time delivering care.

2. Cellular Over Bluetooth

Bluetooth devices often require a phone or WiFi, which adds friction. Tellihealth devices are all 4G cellular-enabled—no syncing, no apps, no lost data.

3. Live Monitoring

RPM means real-time support. Providers need access to live data from anywhere, so they can act quickly when readings fall outside safe ranges.

4. Automatic Storage & Transmission

Data should flow automatically into the monitoring system, with no manual uploads or patient action needed.

5. EHR Integration

The best RPM devices integrate directly with your EMR, reducing admin burden and enabling proactive, data-driven care.

Core Devices in Remote Monitoring

At Tellihealth, we offer a full suite of FDA-compliant, cellular RPM devices tailored to common chronic conditions. Here’s a breakdown:

Blood Pressure Monitor

Hypertensive patients can take consistent, reliable readings from anywhere. No more office visits just for BP checks. All readings are automatically sent to your care team.

Glucose Meter

Managing diabetes requires constant vigilance. Our 4G glucose meter simplifies the process—no apps, no WiFi, just instant results.

Thermometer & Pulse Oximeter

Often bundled, these devices help monitor patients with respiratory issues or infectious diseases. They're ideal for layered care alongside other RPM tools.

Weight Scale

Most digital scales exclude patients over 300–400 lbs. Ours supports up to 600 lbs, ensuring accessibility for all patients.

Sleep & Resting Heart Rate Monitor

Sleep is critical for chronic condition management. Our mat-style, cellular-enabled monitor captures sleep stages, interruptions, heart rate, and more—no wearables needed.

Compliance: What to Know About FDA Standards

RPM devices are considered wireless medical devices under FDA guidelines. All devices must meet HIPAA standards, but not all are FDA-cleared.

Tellihealth ensures full compliance so your practice doesn’t have to navigate these complexities alone. Choosing FDA-cleared devices also improves your eligibility for CMS reimbursement.

What Else to Expect from Your RPM Partner

Beyond devices, here’s what any great RPM provider should deliver:

Logistics Support

From shipping and tracking to returns and device cleaning, logistics should never fall on your staff or patients.

Reimbursement Guidance

Your devices must qualify as medical-grade for reimbursement. A knowledgeable partner ensures you capture all eligible CPT codes.

Tailored Clinical Fit

Don’t settle for generic all-in-one devices. Your partner should help select tools that precisely match your patient population’s clinical needs.

Final Thoughts: Invest in the Right Tools

RPM is only as effective as the devices behind it. The right tools will drive better outcomes, lighten staff load, and create a frictionless experience for patients.

At Tellihealth, we design, deliver, and support FDA-compliant cellular RPM devices that make monitoring simple—for everyone involved.

Still Feeling Overwhelmed?

Don’t worry. If you’re unsure where to begin or which devices fit your patient population, schedule a meeting with our experts today!