Readmission Prevention: Evidence From a Remote Patient Monitoring Program.

introductionReadmissions are a major source of burden to patients, hospitals, and third-party payers. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) was initially implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic but was later expanded to other high-risk patients upon discharge from the hospital.

methodsThe authors used a retrospective data of convenience sample of adult patients enrolled in their RPM program from March 2024 to May 2025. Inclusion criteria included adult patients > 21 years of age, members of Geisinger Health Plan or Keystone Accountable Care Organization, high-priority diagnosis-related groups with elevated Epic readmission risk score, home internet availability, and discharge disposition to home. Exclusion criteria included patients' age < 21 years old, not members of Geisinger Health Plan or Keystone Accountable Care Organization, lack of home internet eligibility, and discharge disposition other than home. The primary outcome measure was 30-day all-cause readmissions. RESULTS & DISCUSSION: The analysis of patients enrolled in RPM and those who were followed afterward showed a significant reduction in 30-day readmissions, with 30% absolute reduction (11% in enrolled group vs 41% in non-enrolled group). Finally, through modeling, the authors opine on the potential effect of RPM on the national readmission landscape.

conclusionThe RPM program provided a significant benefit to 30-day readmission among the authors' convenience sample.