Redefining Chronic Kidney Disease Management with Remote Patient Monitoring

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health concern in the United States, affecting over 37 million people, with 90% of them being unaware of their condition. CKD often arises from or coexists with other chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, leading to kidney damage over time and potential complications.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) has gained prominence, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a tool to support individuals with chronic health conditions, ensuring continuity of care even when in-person visits are challenging. RPM involves the use of connected devices to collect data on vital signs, such as blood pressure, blood glucose, heart rate, and oxygen levels. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' revisions to RPM codes have encouraged healthcare providers to adopt this technology, and it is projected that by 2025, more than 70 million U.S. patients will benefit from some form of RPM.

RPM is particularly impactful in managing chronic conditions like diabetes, fostering a collaborative approach between doctors and patients. The technology allows patients to share real-time health data with their healthcare providers, enabling proactive intervention to prevent health deterioration between in-person visits.

For individuals in later stages of CKD requiring dialysis, home dialysis has emerged as a viable and convenient treatment option. Despite only 13% of dialysis patients currently opting for in-home dialysis, studies indicate comparable outcomes to in-clinic treatment, higher patient satisfaction, and reduced Medicare costs. Recent changes, such as the Advancing American Kidney Health Executive Order and new CMS payment models, aim to incentivize and increase the use of home dialysis.

The integration of RPM with home-based care options like in-home dialysis is expected to enhance convenience for patients, enable more proactive management by healthcare providers, and ultimately lead to better outcomes and cost savings. Continued innovations in connected devices and systems for assessing and treating CKD progression will play a crucial role in advancing this approach.