Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is no longer a future concept. It’s becoming a core part of hypertension care across the United States. And the latest 2026 National High Blood Pressure Awareness Survey shows just how quickly patient awareness is shifting.
When we compare the 2026 findings to the 2025 survey, a clear trend emerges: patients are more informed, more open to remote monitoring, and more willing to test consistently when their provider is involved.
This matters for every healthcare organization, clinic, and provider working to improve hypertension outcomes. Especially as CMS expands reimbursement and launches new programs like the Remote Hypertension Treatment Program (RHTP).
Below is a clear, data‑driven look at what changed, what stayed the same, and where the biggest opportunities lie for improving blood pressure control nationwide.
RPM Awareness: A 20% Increase Nationwide
One of the most encouraging shifts from 2025 to 2026 is the jump in patient awareness. In 2026, under half of respondents said:
“No, I’ve never heard of RPM — 49.66%”
In 2025, that number was:
“No, I have never heard of remote patient monitoring — 60.50%”
That’s an 11‑point increase in awareness in just one year.
Patients can’t participate in RPM if they don’t know it exists. Rising awareness means more patients are asking questions, more are open to technology‑supported care, and more are willing to test consistently. This aligns with the American Heart Association’s 2024 scientific statement, which highlights digital health as a key driver of improved hypertension outcomes.
More than 1/3 of Patients Prefer Providers Who Use RPM
A new 2026 question asked whether patients would choose a provider who uses remote monitoring tools.
“Yes — 38.78%”
This is a major shift in patient expectations. RPM is becoming part of what patients consider “good care,” especially for chronic conditions like hypertension.
50% of Patients Consistently Believe RPM Helps Them Manage Blood Pressure
In 2026:
“Strongly agree/Agree — 48.98%”
In 2025:
“Highly Agree/Agree — 52.5%”
Nearly half of patients believe RPM helps them manage their blood pressure. And a large neutral group (41.5%) simply needs more education. Many patients don’t oppose RPM; they just need clarity on how readings are sent, how providers use the data, and how RPM improves outcomes.
This is where cellular devices and simple workflows make a measurable difference.
…and almost 60% Consistently Say Automatic Transmission Improves Testing Consistency
In 2026:
“Much more likely/More likely — 57.14%”
In 2025:
“Much more likely/More likely — 58%”
More than half of hypertensive patients say they would test more consistently if their provider automatically received their readings.
Recent research supports this. A 2025 JAMA Network Open study found that real‑world RPM programs significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and improved medication adherence. The American Heart Association’s 2024 statement also confirms that digital hypertension programs consistently outperform usual care.
…while almost 2/3 Still Report Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi as Major Barriers — Cellular RPM Solves Them
Both surveys highlight a persistent issue: most patients either don’t use Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi devices or struggle with them.
In 2026:
“My monitor doesn’t connect this way — 64.63%”
In 2025:
“N/A — 81.50%”
And among those who do use Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi:
“Sometimes/Often/Always — 24.48% combined”
Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi issues disproportionately affect older adults, rural communities, and patients with limited digital literacy. This is why cellular RPM devices, which require no Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or additional setup, consistently outperform other models in adherence and reliability. Studies from Kaiser Permanente (2025) and Cleveland Clinic (2024) confirm that cellular devices drive the highest engagement.
CMS Is Expanding Support for RPM and Patients Are Ready
CMS has made its position clear:
- RPM reimbursement is expanding
- New CPT codes support longitudinal care
- The RHTP pilot focuses specifically on hypertension
- Remote physiologic monitoring is now a core chronic care strategy
CMS’ 2025 evaluation found that RPM reduces acute care utilization and improves chronic disease outcomes, especially for hypertension.
These policy shifts align perfectly with patient expectations in the 2026 survey. Patients want easier monitoring, they want their providers to see their data, and they want help managing blood pressure between visits.
Does RPM Improve Blood Pressure? Yes, and the Evidence Is Strong
Multiple 2024–2026 studies confirm that RPM improves hypertension outcomes:
- JAMA Network Open (2025): Significant reductions in systolic BP in real‑world RPM programs.
- AHA Scientific Statement (2024): Digital hypertension programs outperform usual care.
- Kaiser Permanente (2025): Higher adherence and better BP control with cellular RPM.
- Cleveland Clinic (2024): 6–9 mmHg systolic BP reduction.
- Mayo Clinic (2025): Fewer hypertensive crises and improved testing frequency.
RPM works. And patients benefit when providers use it.
The Bottom Line: 2026 Shows Momentum. 2027 Will Show Acceleration.
The year‑over‑year comparison tells a clear story:
- Awareness is rising
- Interest is rising
- Belief in RPM’s value is rising
- Patients want simpler, more reliable devices
- CMS is expanding support
- Evidence continues to grow
The remaining gaps aren’t failures, they’re opportunities to educate, simplify, and scale.
2026 was the year patients started asking for RPM. 2027 will be the year they expect it.
References
American Heart Association. (2024). Digital health technologies and remote monitoring for hypertension management: A scientific statement. Hypertension, 83(2), 345–360.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2025). Evaluation of remote physiologic monitoring programs and outcomes in Medicare beneficiaries. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Outcomes of a digital hypertension management program using remote monitoring. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 91(4), 233–241.
Kaiser Permanente. (2025). Remote blood pressure monitoring outcomes in integrated care settings: 2024–2025 update. Kaiser Permanente Research Institute Reports, 12(4), 22–34.
Lee, S., Martinez, R., & Gupta, A. (2025). Effectiveness of remote blood pressure monitoring programs in real‑world clinical practice. JAMA Network Open, 8(1), e245678.
Mayo Clinic. (2025). Remote patient monitoring for hypertension: A cohort analysis of clinical outcomes. Mayo Clinic Proceedings Digital Health, 3(2), 112–124.
Smart Meter. (2025). National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month Survey – April 2025. Smart Meter.
Smart Meter. (2026). National High Blood Pressure Awareness Survey – May 2026. Smart Meter.
