Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring

Digital Scale. Digital scales are often used for patients that are trying to lose or gain weight. They can also be used when the patient's body is unable to maintain a healthy water level. Some scales can electronically send the patient's weight to their health care provider or their mobile device.

Heart Monitor. Some devices, like smart watches and patches, continuously track heart rate. Other devices are worn only for a short period of time to intermittently check heart rate. This is common for patients with a fast heart rate.

Glucometer. These devices track blood sugar levels. Patients can do a finger stick and test their blood or use a device called a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) which is attached to the patient’s body.

Blood pressure monitor. High or low blood pressure can be dangerous. Blood pressure can be captured continuously with a smart watch or other wearable device. There are also blood pressure devices that can be strapped on to check blood pressure and then removed.

Oxygen monitors. These are devices that track the level of oxygen in the blood. They are often used at night for a condition called sleep apnea or for patients with lung conditions like asthma. Most oxygen monitors are worn for short periods of time. However, some smart watches contain sensors that can continuously check oxygen levels.

Spirometer. Spirometers are instruments to check how much air is available in the lungs. This is important for people with asthma or other conditions that affect breathing. The patient blows into the device which produces information that can be sent directly to the provider. The patient can also write the information down and send it themselves.

Fetal monitor. This tracks a baby’s heartbeat before it is born. A sensor is placed over the stomach of the pregnant individual when they want to check the baby’s heart rate. The information can be sent automatically, or the patient can send the information to their provider.