As a general internist at Rush University Medical Center, where I’ve been practicing since 1995, I’ve seen firsthand the evolving challenges in managing chronic conditions like hypertension and heart failure. Over the years, our traditional healthcare model has been stretched to its limits, particularly as chronic disease rates continue to rise.
The situation is especially concerning when we look at the data: Since 2012, heart failure fatalities have increased in the United States, largely due to the growing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent real patients whose lives are at risk because our current system is struggling to keep pace.
One of the most significant issues we face is the mismatch between the number of heart failure patients and the healthcare providers available to manage their care. The reality is that there simply aren’t enough doctors and advanced practice providers (APPs) to meet the growing demand. Traditional in-office visits, where I might see 14 patients in a day, are insufficient when we consider the scale of the problem. We need a new approach — one that allows us to extend our reach, maximize our efficiency, and deliver high-quality care to those who need it most.
This is where remote patient monitoring (RPM) comes into play. High-quality RPM has the potential to transform how we manage chronic conditions, particularly in a country where 95% of healthcare systems are not currently equipped to implement it at scale. While this presents a significant challenge, it also highlights the immense opportunity we have to improve patient outcomes through innovative solutions.
Through my experience with Cadence’s RPM program, I’ve witnessed the positive impact that real-time patient data can have on clinical decision-making. For many of my patients with hypertension, managing their condition can be a daily struggle. Blood pressure readings taken at home often differ from those taken in the office, making it difficult to determine whether a patient’s hypertension is truly under control or if further intervention is needed. With RPM, I have access to consistent, real-time data that provides a clearer picture of a patient’s health. This allows me to make more informed decisions, such as whether to adjust medication or maintain the current treatment plan.
However, the benefits of RPM extend beyond just better data. The integration of this data into a multidisciplinary care model is crucial. Healthcare is not a one-person job; it requires a team of professionals, each bringing their expertise to the table. With the right technology, we can streamline this process, ensuring that every team member has the information they need to deliver the best possible care. This collaborative approach is essential, especially as we face an aging population with increasingly complex healthcare needs.
Moreover, RPM has proven to be a powerful tool for patient engagement. Many of my patients have embraced this technology, becoming more active participants in their own care. They can see the immediate effects of their lifestyle choices — such as diet, exercise and medication adherence — on their blood pressure. This real-time feedback not only reinforces healthy behaviors but also empowers patients to take control of their health. In turn, this increased engagement leads to better outcomes, as patients are more likely to follow their treatment plans and make informed decisions about their health.
While RPM offers numerous benefits in addressing chronic disease, it’s important to recognize that technology alone is not the solution. The true power of RPM lies in how we use the data it provides. Having access to real-time data is only valuable if we have the systems and processes in place to act on it effectively. This means not only training healthcare providers to use this technology but also ensuring that we have the infrastructure to support its widespread adoption. In a country where socioeconomic factors and geographic location significantly impact health outcomes, RPM can help level the playing field by providing more consistent, accessible care to patients regardless of where they live.
The future of healthcare in the US will depend on our ability to adapt to these new challenges. Companies like Cadence, which provide the infrastructure for scalable RPM, will play a critical role in this transformation. However, the success of these programs will ultimately depend on how well we integrate them into our existing care models. We must continue to evolve our approach, embracing multidisciplinary care and leveraging technology to deliver more efficient, patient-centered care.
Jennifer Earvolino, MD, is a general internist at Rush University Medical Center. Rush is a partner hospital of Cadence, which delivers chronic disease management, health outcomes and financial ROI at scale.
