While remote patient monitoring offers significant benefits for primary care, internal medicine, and cardiology, its widespread adoption is tempered by some drawbacks. Patient compliance is a major concern—studies indicate that even with user-friendly devices, some patients struggle to consistently measure and transmit their health data due to technological challenges, limited digital literacy, or lack of motivation. This inconsistency can undermine the effectiveness of RPM, leading to incomplete data and missed opportunities for early intervention.
Insurance co-payments add another layer of complexity. Medicare Part B, for example, requires copay for RPM services, which is not always waivable and may pose a financial burden for patients without supplemental coverage. Commercial insurers set their own copay policies, sometimes requiring out-of-pocket payments that can discourage participation. These financial barriers can exacerbate health inequities, particularly among underserved populations who might benefit most from RPM but are least able to afford it. As policymakers and payers continue to refine reimbursement and coverage policies, it is essential to consider the impact of copayments and compliance challenges to ensure RPM fulfills its promise of improving outcomes for all patients.
