12 Questions to Ask Your Potential RPM Vendor
Choosing the Right RPM Partner for Your Practice
Once you’ve embraced the idea of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), the next step is selecting the right vendor. Instead of sifting through unclear website information, we suggest reaching out to potential vendors directly and asking them these 12 essential questions:
Question: When was your Remote Patient Monitoring system created, and can you share examples of Medicare-specific features or workflows it includes?
Why This Matters: Focus on Medicare Fee-for-Service Workflows
CRONIC CARE: Our RPM solution was developed after Medicare introduced CPT codes for Remote Patient Monitoring at the end of 2018. As a result, our platform incorporates Medicare-specific features and workflows.
Question: What percentage of your business is in the U.S.?
Why is this important: Differences in healthcare standards
CRONIC CARE: With 100% of Cronic Care’s business based in Fresno, CA, we offer a solution that aligns closely with the needs of your medical clinic. This focus ensures that our features and support are tailored specifically to fit your clinic’s workflow.
Question: Can you provide some case studies?
Why is this important: Focus on Supporting Small, Mid-Sized Practices, or Large Practices?
CRONIC CARE: Our RPM solution is designed to accommodate the workflows of small, mid-sized, and large multi-specialty clinics. Consequently, our platform effectively supports Medicare-specific workflows and meets the needs of smaller practices.
Question: What are the CPT codes that are supported in your software?
Why is this important: Find out if your provider has expert knowledge
CRONIC CARE: Cronic Care invests time in understanding your needs and provides valuable guidance to help you create a successful program. For instance, we often offer complimentary support with financial projections based on local Medicare CPT Code reimbursements, clarify coding requirements, and provide insights into operational best practices.
Question: What does your onboarding process look like? Who will be my point of contact after I sign this contract?
Why is this important: Find a partner who offers support and training
CRONIC CARE: During the initial process, you’ll engage with representatives who will demonstrate the features and benefits of the platform. The crucial question is what happens after you commit. Once you commit, Cronic Care focuses on providing dedicated clinician support. We invest in a high-quality US LVN clinician support team with a strong clinical background to ensure your clinic receives optimal assistance.
Question: Across all your patients, what is the average time of engagement and how do you track this?
Why this is important: Retention and Reimbursement Insights
CRONIC CARE: We can demonstrate how we support patient engagement in accordance with CMS CPT Code guidelines and provide financial forecasts. Starting January 1, 2020, CMS permits additional 20-minute segments for code 99458, allowing for a maximum of 60 minutes per month.
Question: Which cellular-based equipment do you offer?
Why is this important: Look for flexible equipment options
CRONIC CARE: FDA-Cleared Cellular-based: Our cellular-based equipment is designed for ease of setup and high reliability. Once you provide the device to the patient, no additional connectivity is needed. The device syncs wirelessly through the same networks used by cell phones and smartphones. This simplicity makes our cellular-based equipment suitable for patients of all ages, enhancing the scalability and success of your RPM program.
Question: Of the equipment that you offer, what do you consider to be reimbursable by Medicare?
Why is this important: Find a partner that keeps reimbursement top of mind
CRONIC CARE: To ensure clear reimbursement, our RPM equipment collects physiological data such as weight, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, pulse oximetry, and respiratory flow rate. We adhere to CMS guidance and focus on physiological data, as it is specifically defined in the CPT code definitions provided by the American Medical Association.
Question: Can you show me the process for setting up a patient? (Run a timer while they do!)
Why is this important: Find Easy-to-Use Software
CRONIC CARE: Our system takes no more than 90 seconds to set up a patient for their first reading and is designed to be easy-to-use and intuitive. This allows our clinicians to focus their time on engaging with patients — monitoring, educating, coaching, and ensuring adherence to the care plan.
Question: Are patient alerts customizable?
Why this is important: Every patient is different
CRONIC CARE: Cronic Care’s RPM platform enables medical clinic providers to set and customize patient vital sign thresholds according to your practice’s needs. Additionally, our system offers flexible notification options to escalate potential issues to a physician, including messaging, chat, or phone calls.
Question: Can you walk me through how I get this information into my billing system?
Why is this important: Helps with Medicare-Specific Administrative Requirements
CRONIC CARE: There are several administrative requirements specific to Medicare, including:
- Tracking time spent for each CPT code
- Entering the correct CPT code at the appropriate time
- Assigning time spent to the correct staff member
- Recording time spent communicating with patients or the care team
- Protecting the clinic from Medicare audits
- Allowing your staff to concentrate on practice growth
- Ensuring patient adherence to the RPM program to maximize reimbursement opportunities
Question: Do I get billed even if patients aren’t using the equipment?
Why is this important: Find The Right Pricing Model
CRONIC CARE: If your patients do not meet the Medicare-prescribed CPT guidelines, your medical clinic will not generate revenue from reimbursements. Cronic Care will assist you in developing a successful program and aligning our compensation model with your reimbursement outcomes.
Find out if your practice is fit for Cronic Care
Disclaimer: This blog is solely designed to provide information to the viewer. Please consult with an attorney for any legal advice.
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