Summary

By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, Functional Medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms.

As a Certified Functional Medicine practitioner, Dr. Val Koganski spends time with patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic diseases. In this way, Newtown Internal Medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.

Challenge

Dr. Koganski was interested in incorporating Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) to enhance the practice’s concierge service and proactive patient care. Newtown Medical has built a reputation with its patients for providing high-level access to physicians regarding medical issues, building a strong ongoing provider-patient relationship, assisting with any insurance issues, and expedient appointment scheduling, among other high-touch services. The practice prides itself on going the extra mile for its patients, and as virtual care has become more prevalent, the team felt that adding an RPM program would be an ideal addition for added patient engagement and improved health outcomes.

In terms of operations, Sedalia Johnson, Newtown Internal Medicine’s Office Manager shared that the team had implemented a telehealth program at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and within 30 days the practice was fully operational on telehealth. During the first few weeks, when they couldn’t have patients in the office, the practice still kept ongoing contact with patients via telephone and video conferencing. However, one challenge that arose was the difficulty in keeping close tabs on patients outside of the office walls, and patients were already obtaining electronic health devices on their own.

The team would have patients record measurements such as blood pressure, weight, glucose readings, etc., on paper, and then follow up to inquire. Not surprisingly, it was difficult to maintain patient compliance with this system.

Program Highlights

Because the practice had already implemented a telemedicine program operationally, they did not hesitate to next implement HealthSnap’s RPM program. Patients are having a positive experience utilizing the cellular devices that are sent to them and since the program is more interactive and includes reminders, calls, and nudges, patients have an easier time keeping on top of their readings.

Sedalia shared that their team had worked with other companies on similar programs before, and felt HealthSnap’s program provided plenty of helpful assistance during the initial rollout periods as the team adapted to the program. She feels HealthSnap continues to be very responsive whenever the team has questions. While Newtown has a team that “is capable of pulling off the program, HealthSnap’s feedback, partnership, and strategic guidance on how to engage patients throughout the program really set it apart.” She also shared that HealthSnap’s consistent support and assistance throughout the process kept the team at Newtown in the know with reminders about the patients on the program: “I like the fact that we get alerts and email reminders when things are going on with patients. This has contributed to improved outcomes.”

Sedalia also commented on HealthSnap’s approach to evidence-based behavioral change that is embedded in the program with personalized monthly lifestyle themes. 

“Patients get personalized education related to easy changes they can implement related to their health. This keeps them very engaged in improving their care plans.”

Results

Sedalia noted that patients are noticeably benefitting from being on HealthSnap’s RPM program, and they are much more compliant than they’ve been on other programs. Newtown is looking forward to enrolling more of its patients in the program over time.

In terms of reimbursement, Newtown found it to be aligned with their expectations going into the program, and on top of that, the ease of billing for the program is essential. She commented on HealthSnap’s patented Eligibility Report and Transmission Calendar that easily matches with data they have internally and makes the billing process much easier. Newtown found that the reports also make it simple to train others in the practice to do the billing as well. Sedalia shared the reimbursement has covered the costs and the time spent on the program so that it’s a win-win.

Because the practice has had such a positive experience with HealthSnap’s RPM program, they are now considering implementing HealthSnap’s Chronic Care Management Program next and are evaluating what reimbursement looks like.

“HealthSnap’s RPM allows us to have a program where we are providing better patient care for chronic illnesses and diseases, and it’s done in a way that improves patient outcomes. We find that it’s a really, really good thing for our patients and provided enough reimbursement to make it worthwhile. We’re not a huge practice, but because our doctor is giving direct care and time, to the patients that are on the program, they are able to provide a personalized impact. Our patient care delivery is enhanced so much by HealthSnap’s RPM program.”

Hypertension Clinical Outcomes

Classification Changes

• According to the average of the 7 most recent readings, as of May 16, 2022, the percentage of uncontrolled hypertensive patients has dropped from 72.7% to 48.5% – a 24% reduction in uncontrolled hypertension across their patient population

Systolic Blood Pressure Improvements

• Patients with uncontrolled hypertension had an average baseline systolic blood pressure of 142.73 mmHg. In the time since enrollment, 83.3% of these patients improved systolic blood pressure, with an average change of -10.47 mmHg (142.73 mmHg to 132.27 mmHg).

Diastolic Blood Pressure Improvements

• Patients with uncontrolled hypertension had an average baseline diastolic blood pressure of 82.21 mmHg. In the time since enrollment, 70.8% of these patients improved diastolic blood pressure, with an average change of -6.27 mmHg (82.21 mmHg to 75.94 mmHg).