How Remote Patient Monitoring Is Used

In order to understand the differences between Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and telehealth, we first need to define what RPM is, how it’s used, and what tools come into play. At its core, RPM is the act of recording health and medical data to be shared with a healthcare provider. The beauty of RPM is that critical information such as patient vitals can be digitally transmitted from one location to the next.

This technology can be used in a wide variety of ways, such as treating patients in need of diabetes management, prenatal care, hypertension monitoring, weight management, and asthma care.

A Critical RPM Component

Remote patient monitoring is unsuccessful without the tools to make it possible. Unlike telehealth, which can be conducted via a personal device such as a smartphone or computer, RPM requires dedicated devices.

Common RPM devices include:

• Blood Pressure Monitors
• Glucose Meters
• Weight Scales
• Spirometers
• Resting Pulse Monitors
• Sleep Monitors

These tools allow patients to easily report health readings from home, which are then automatically transmitted to clinical teams who monitor the data continuously.

What Is Telehealth?

Now that RPM is defined, let’s look at telehealth. Telehealth refers to delivering care remotely using video communications and the internet. It also includes collecting patient metrics (like blood pressure, heart rate, weight, glucose) from remote locations.

With telehealth, a patient logs into a provider’s platform using any internet-connected device, allowing them to receive high-quality care without traveling to a clinic.

Telehealth increases access, reduces appointment wait times, and helps reduce provider burnout.

Better Together: RPM + Telehealth

RPM and telehealth are often confused—and for good reason. They work closely together, but aren’t the same.

Here’s the distinction:

• Telehealth visits can be conducted independently, without RPM.
• RPM, however, relies on telehealth infrastructure for its effectiveness.

Making Adoption Easier

Launching an RPM program may seem overwhelming—especially when budgets are tight. But companies like Tellihealth (via accuRPM) lower these barriers by bundling telehealth and RPM into one integrated solution.

accuRPM features a proprietary HIPAA-compliant, SOC 2-certified platform called Evelyn—a web-based tool that enables clinical teams to:

• Monitor patient data
• Track compliance
• Add clinical notes
• Review billing and analytics

Unlike many vendors, Tellihealth offers a fully integrated, HIPAA-compliant platform that connects RPM devices directly with clinicians. It’s also designed to integrate easily with EHR systems—ensuring it supports practice growth, rather than hindering it.

accuRPM eliminates common roadblocks with a full-service, scalable solution. Their platform can sustain 1,500+ patients per week, and Tellihealth assumes all upfront costs, dramatically reducing financial barriers for clinics.

With RPM integrated into telehealth, care becomes more efficient, more proactive, and more empowering for both patients and providers.

Planning for the Future

Here are just a few areas where RPM and telehealth have made treatment better:

• Diabetes Management
• Prenatal Care
• Hypertension Monitoring
• Weight Management
• Asthma Care

And more is on the horizon. For instance, cardiovascular disease is being closely studied for potential links with long-term COVID effects. As evidence mounts, RPM may prove essential for mitigating these impacts.

Early adoption of telehealth and RPM is not only future-proofing—it’s a cost-effective investment today.

In Summary

While telehealth and RPM are distinct, they work best when combined. Telehealth provides access; RPM provides insight.

Thanks to Tellihealth’s RPM services, clinics have seen a 15–25% increase in appointment volume. Their solutions:

• Seamlessly integrate into existing EHRs
• Automate referrals and simplify workflows
• Drive provider and patient engagement

With upfront costs covered and scalability built in, Tellihealth and accuRPM offer a future-ready path to transforming care delivery.