In today’s rapidly evolving health care landscape, digital health technologies are driving significant advancements in patient care. One of the most promising developments is the integration of remote therapeutic monitoring. RTM empowers health care providers, including chiropractors, to better manage patient outcomes by leveraging data-driven insights and personalized treatment plans.
This emerging technology is poised to revolutionize how we deliver care by increasing patient engagement, improving adherence to care plans, and driving practice efficiency – all of which directly impact both patient outcomes and practice revenue.
As someone who has been on the front lines of health care innovation, I’ve had the opportunity to conduct research that highlights the critical role digital health tools, particularly mobile health apps, play in achieving these goals. In two separate studies, we explored how a mobile app could improve patient adherence to prescribed care plans and subsequently boost practice revenue.
The results were eye-opening: by simply providing patients with access to a platform that kept them engaged with their treatment plan, we saw significant improvements in both clinical outcomes and practice profitability.
The Problem: Patient Adherence and Engagement
One of the biggest challenges chiropractors and other health care providers face is patient adherence to prescribed care plans. Studies have shown that a large percentage of patients do not complete their recommended course of treatment, leading to suboptimal outcomes.
Whether it’s due to forgetfulness, a lack of motivation, or uncertainty about the next steps in their recovery journey, this dropoff can have significant implications for both the patient and the practice.
For patients, non-adherence can mean prolonged pain, delayed recovery, or even chronic issues that could have been resolved with timely intervention. For practices, low adherence translates to fewer visits, reduced revenue, and potentially lower satisfaction rates that could impact word-of-mouth referrals and long-term business growth.
RTM offers a solution to this age-old problem by using technology to keep patients engaged in their care, even when they’re not physically present in the clinic. The concept is simple, but powerful: continuous monitoring of therapeutic interventions via connected devices or apps allows for real-time feedback and adjustments. This keeps patients accountable and motivated to follow through on their treatment, while giving providers the data they need to make informed decisions and support the patient in their health care journey.
The Solution: Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)
RTM is built on the principle that real-time, continuous feedback loops between patients and providers can lead to better health outcomes. With RTM, chiropractors can track patient progress remotely, using data that is collected through wearable devices, sensors, or mobile health apps. This information helps providers adjust care plans on the fly, ensuring that patients are receiving the most effective treatment for their condition.
More importantly, RTM empowers patients to take a more active role in their own recovery. By receiving regular updates, reminders, and personalized feedback through the app, patients are reminded of their care plan and motivated to stick with it. The end result is higher adherence rates, better outcomes, and a more satisfied patient base.
Demonstrating Value to the Patient and the Practice
The value of RTM is not limited to patient outcomes alone – it has a profound impact on the practice as well. When patients are more engaged and adherent to their care plans, they are more likely to complete their full course of treatment, resulting in increased visit volume and higher revenue. But it goes beyond just more visits.
Practices can benefit from the efficiency RTM brings. By automating the monitoring and follow-up process, providers can reduce administrative burdens, freeing up staff to focus on patient care. Additionally, RTM generates valuable data that can be used to optimize treatment protocols, improving both the quality of care and operational efficiency.
Let’s not overlook the financial aspect. Practices that adopt RTM are positioned to tap into new revenue streams. Under CMS guidelines, RTM is reimbursable, creating a significant opportunity for practices to generate additional income through remote care services. By integrating RTM, chiropractic practices can not only enhance the care they provide, but also ensure they are maximizing the financial benefits available to them.
The Future of Chiropractic Care: RTM as a Standard of Practice
As health care continues to shift towards value-based care models, the ability to monitor and manage patients remotely will become increasingly important. RTM represents a major step forward in this evolution, offering providers a way to deliver high-quality, personalized care at scale. The technology exists and the infrastructure is in place. Now it’s up to chiropractic practices to embrace it.
For practices that are forward-thinking and committed to delivering the best possible care, RTM is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. By adopting RTM, chiropractors can position themselves at the forefront of health care innovation, ensuring they are delivering the highest standard of care while also securing new revenue streams that will drive long-term growth.
Remote therapeutic monitoring has the power to transform the way chiropractic care is delivered. By keeping patients engaged, improving adherence, and enhancing practice efficiency, RTM offers an invaluable solution to some of the most pressing challenges faced by health care providers today.
Practices that implement RTM will not only see improved patient outcomes, but will also unlock new opportunities for growth and success. It’s time to embrace the future of chiropractic care ... and that future is digital.
