What Makes a Great RPM Device?

One of the most important parts of delivering successful RPM care is using a reliable monitoring device. Without a high-quality monitoring device, both patients and healthcare providers can miss out on the full benefits RPM offers.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional considering RPM for your practice or hearing about RPM devices for the first time, understanding what makes a great RPM device can help you deliver better outcomes.

Not only can RPM reduce hospital visits and improve patient satisfaction, but it can also save time and money for both patients and providers. While the future is unpredictable, RPM is poised to play an even larger role in U.S. healthcare.

RPM Devices: A Primer

An RPM device is similar to a consumer wearable (like an Apple Watch or Fitbit), but it’s purpose-built for healthcare. It contains sensors to track specific physiological parameters and wirelessly transmits the data to a secure repository for analysis by medical professionals.

Unlike general wearables, RPM devices are often dedicated to a single purpose—such as glucose meters for diabetes, blood pressure monitors, remote infertility trackers, and more. If a sensor can track a condition-relevant data point, there’s likely an RPM device for it.

What Makes a Great RPM Device?

1. Meets FDA Standards
While all RPM devices must comply with HIPAA security and privacy requirements, not all meet FDA standards. The FDA considers RPM devices to be wireless medical devices and provides recognized guidelines for quality and reliability. Using a device that meets these standards ensures accurate data collection and better patient outcomes.

2. Prioritizes Ease of Use
For patients, the device should be comfortable, easy to wear, and paired with an intuitive patient portal for 24/7 access to data and provider communication.

For providers, the device should be quick to set up, deliver clear data in real-time, and securely fit the patient for consistent readings.

3. Captures the Right Data
Confirm that the device measures the exact physiological parameters you need for treatment. Some devices may be marketed for a condition but fail to track all the necessary metrics.

4. Streamlined Logistics
The best devices simplify shipping, tracking, returns, and cleaning—small details that make a big difference in patient adoption and program efficiency.

5. Supports CPT Reimbursement
To qualify for reimbursement, the device must meet the FDA’s definition of a medical device. While FDA approval isn’t always required, it can help ensure smoother reimbursement under CPT codes like 99453, 99454, 99457, and 99458.

The Bottom Line

RPM devices aren’t the only component of remote care, but they’re arguably the most critical. The right device makes life easier for both patients and providers while delivering better outcomes.

Tellihealth’s accuRPM program uses FDA-compliant, patient-friendly devices designed for seamless integration, accurate data tracking, and full compliance—helping providers launch and scale RPM with confidence.

To learn more about how Tellihealth and accuRPM can support your RPM program, schedule a meeting today!