Guidance for Remote Patient Monitoring During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, UMMS has expanded our telehealth and virtual medicine capabilities in order to provide high-quality care in a remote setting. This has allowed our providers to efficiently monitor patient health and progress while reducing risk for COVID-19 transmission.

To guide the utilization of these capabilities, UMMS has issued Guidance for Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) During the COVID-19 Pandemic, for initial implementation as a small, site-focused pilot. This guidance outlines standards and procedures for the delivery and billing of virtual health care services, including which patients may be treating using RPM.

Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of applying evidence-based practice guidelines when using technology to administer health care, with a focus on optimizing patient safety, quality of care and positive outcomes.

As we pilot this policy, is important to note that providers must continue to use clinical judgement in determining what is in the best interest of each patient and whether or not RPM may be a beneficial tool in an individual patient’s care plan.

This policy is written in accordance with modified Telehealth/Remote Patient Monitoring protocols enacted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and is supported by Maryland Medicaid and several other major commercial payers in the State of Maryland.

Click here to view Guidance for Remote Patient Monitoring During the COVID-19 Pandemic.


FAQs

Is this policy being implemented System-wide?


The policy is being implemented as a small, site-focused pilot. Doing so gives us the opportunity to better understand how our organization, staff and patients can benefit from RPM models, as we work to optimize continuity in care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Information pertaining to a potential broader roll-out will be communicated at a later time.

What types of patients can be treated using RPM?



Both new and established patients requiring physiologic monitoring for acute and chronic conditions can be treated using RPM.

Are there requirements limiting where a clinical provider may practice RPM?

Health care providers can provide care from any location (office, home, facility, etc.). Additionally, licensed telehealth practitioners who are providing services to patients in the State of Maryland do not have to be licensed in the State of Maryland. If providers are offering telehealth services to patients in distant states, licensure requirements of that state apply.

How does RPM efficiently replace in-person treatment?

Providers must use clinical judgement in determining which patients can benefit from receiving care virtually. As deemed appropriate, RPM is a tool that can facilitate active monitoring of a patient’s progress. It helps providers determine the best plan of care for each individual patient, while also providing a platform for patient education and guidance on how to self-manage their health condition(s).

Is consent required?

Yes. Consent must be obtained from the patient or their health care decision maker prior to enrollment into the RPM program.

How are we ensuring patient confidentiality as virtual tools are used to provide patient care?

RPM technologies should contain patient-controlled privacy settings. Technologies utilized should meet or exceed applicable federal and state legal requirements for medical information privacy, including compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Patients and providers will be educated on what data will be collected, how it will be used, and who will have access to it.

How will providers document RPM visits?

Standard practices and protocols apply. In addition to clinical documentation, patient and provider identification must be noted, as well as provider credentials, a description of how technology will be used to administer care, and the steps that will be taken to ensure patient privacy. Information recorded electronically as a result of direct or consultative care will be part of the patient’s medical record, with provider signatures included.