What is Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)?

In its simplest definition, Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is the use of technology that allows healthcare to be provided to patients at a distance. RPM collects, transmits, and analyzes patient health data from outside a traditional clinic—whether from home or another remote location—reducing barriers to care.

RPM not only increases convenience but also improves access, enhances care quality, and lowers health risks. It enables more personalized care tailored to a patient’s real-life needs and has been shown in studies to improve outcomes for both chronic and temporary conditions.

RPM vs. Telehealth and Telemedicine

Telehealth is the broad umbrella term for health services delivered via telecommunications technology. Under this umbrella, Telemedicine refers specifically to remote clinical services, such as a specialist consult from another city.

RPM differs by including both clinical and non-clinical services, and by focusing on continuous health data collection and monitoring to guide care.

A Brief History of RPM

Although modern RPM is technology-driven, its roots go back decades. Early forms included telephone check-ins, with telemedicine technology first emerging in the 1960s through NASA and the Nebraska Psychology Institute. In the 1970s, projects like the Kaiser Foundation International–Lockheed system brought remote care to underserved rural communities.

Examples of Modern RPM

Today’s RPM devices provide 24/7 observation, alerts, and clinical support. Cellular-enabled biometric monitors can track blood pressure, glucose, weight, allergic reactions, and more—transmitting data directly to providers.

Chronic Disease Management with RPM

Diabetes: Tellihealth’s accuRPM uses connected glucometers to send real-time glucose data to both patient and provider, reducing emergencies and complications.

Hypertension: Continuous remote blood pressure monitoring eliminates the need for manual tracking, improving accuracy and allowing earlier intervention to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Summary

Remote Patient Monitoring uses technology to provide both clinical and non-clinical care at a distance. It expands access, enhances accuracy, and empowers patients while giving providers better tools to improve health outcomes.

Tellihealth’s accuRPM makes adopting and scaling RPM programs easy, secure, and effective for providers nationwide, schedule a meeting with the experts today to learn more!