RPM/RTM Operations: Turning home health data into safer, more proactive care
When we talk about value-based care, we often picture new contracts or dashboards. But on the ground, value-based care is simpler than that: it’s what happens between visits. February’s theme is about building that “between-visit care” muscle using Remote Physiological Monitoring (RPM) and Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM), tools that can strengthen chronic disease management, reduce avoidable utilization, and help clinicians intervene earlier.
The opportunity is big, but so are the pitfalls: data overload, unclear escalation paths, and programs that start strong but fade. This newsletter is designed to help you operationalize monitoring with clear workflows, staffing plans, and vendor questions, so the technology supports care instead of creating extra noise.
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TOP UPDATES YOU CAN'T MISS
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CTRC’s 14th Annual Digital Health Summit
Call for Abstracts: OFFICIALLY CLOSED
Abstract Notices: February 27, 2026
Virtual Event, Save the Date | June 24, 2026
 The Call for Abstracts for CTRC’s 14th Annual Digital Health Summit is now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted an abstract and shared your work with us. Your ideas, innovation, and dedication to advancing digital health are what make this event so impactful each year.
We’re now beginning the review process for submissions aligned with this year’s theme, Bridging the Gap: Digital Health & AI for Smarter Care, Stronger Teams, Sustainable Healthcare. Stay tuned for updates and next steps as we move forward.
CTRC’s 14th Annual Digital Health Summit is a free virtual event that brings together clinicians, innovators, policymakers, and community leaders to share practical strategies and real world insights. More information, including future registration details, will be shared in the months ahead.
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The 2025 NCTRC Annual Report is here!
We’re excited to share the 2025 Annual Report from the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers is now available for download! This year’s report highlights how the NCTRC continued to drive innovation in telehealth across the U.S., strengthening telehealth delivery systems and supporting communities most in need.
In 2025, the NCTRC:
- Provided expert technical assistance to thousands of healthcare organizations
- Developed and expanded practical telehealth resources and online toolkits
- Hosted workforce training opportunities including webinars and regional events
- Advanced telehealth technology adoption and guidance
- Delivered timely policy insights reaching tens of thousands of stakeholders
Plus, the report spotlights contributions from all 14 Telehealth Resource Centers and showcases collaborative work with national partners.
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Many remote patient monitoring (RPM) programs struggle to move beyond short term pilots. This blog explores what it takes to turn RPM into a reliable clinical service by focusing on clear patient selection, defined workflows, staffing roles, and escalation protocols. Rather than centering on devices alone, it highlights the operational decisions that drive sustainability, clinical impact, and patient engagement, especially in rural and safety net settings.
Implementation snapshot: what this means for different settings
- Rural hospitals & CAHs: RPM is most effective when focused on narrow, high impact populations and paired with clear escalation workflows, particularly for post discharge monitoring and reducing avoidable utilization.
- RHCs: RPM can support continuity of care in settings with limited staffing when programs clearly define who reviews data, who contacts patients, and how monitoring fits into existing care team workflows.
- FQHCs/CHCs: Successful RPM programs align enrollment with chronic disease management goals and emphasize strong patient onboarding, language access, and support that builds engagement and confidence.
- Fee-for-service community providers: Sustainability depends on clear enrollment criteria, medical necessity, and documentation practices, with workflows designed to meet payer requirements and support auditready operations.
Learn more by reading the blog and explore our additional resources below. |
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WEBINARS, SPARK-SESSIONS & ON-DEMAND LEARNING
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CTRC RPM & RTM Resources:
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CTRC RPM & RTM Spark Sessions:
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CTRC Field Notes
RPM reality-check: the success of RPM is 20% device, 80% decisions. Before you enroll your first patient, write down:
- "What readings trigger a call?” (and what counts as normal variability)
- "Who owns the call?” (RN, MA, pharmacist, care manager)
- "What is the after-hours plan?” (especially for higher-risk cohorts)
These three decisions prevent the most common RPM failure mode: data arriving without action. |
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If you’re a patient, RPM should feel like support, not surveillance. You should know what’s being tracked, how often, and what happens if reading is high or low. Ask your care team: “Who reviews my readings?” “How fast will someone respond?” and “What should I do if I feel worse, but no one has called yet?” Telehealth can make it easier to get help early—and you deserve clear expectations.
Learn more about RPM in our RPM Patient Handout. An introduction to RPM for Patients.
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