Health Systems Embracing Remote Patient Monitoring Report Positive Return On Investment, Both Financial And Clinical

Remarkable 50% Increase Over 3 Years in the Number of Healthcare Executives Stating that RPM Generates Positive ROI

Smart Meter, the leading supplier of Cellular Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)^™ solutions, has noted a marked increase in the number of large health systems utilizing RPM. The innovative technology company understands the need for healthcare systems to justify the investment in a remote patient monitoring program. Sometimes these organizations can get overwhelmed when only considering costs, but there are many factors that provide a true picture of the ROI of RPM.

There can be both short-and long-term ROI gained from RPM because RPM can help lower costs, produce revenue, and improve patient outcomes by providing instant data to help make real-time care decisions. Knowing how RPM affects finances can help healthcare providers make better decisions and improve their organization’s effectiveness.

$27,000 or more Per Patient Cost Savings using RPM
Brockton Hospital in Massachusetts began using a remote care program to track 25 to 30 Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) patients and was hoping to reduce its 30-day readmission rates to less than 25%. The reduction meant that no more than eight patients could be readmitted. The outcomes vastly exceeded the objective. Readmissions were reduced to zero, with no patients who were enrolled in the study were readmitted to the hospital. Zero readmissions represented a significant decrease in total medical expenses. The cost of a 30-day hospitalization is $27,000 per patient, so Brockton achieved a cost avoidance savings of $216,000.12.¹

$1,300 or more Per Patient Per Year in New Revenue using RPM

Any practice, health system or healthcare organization with a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number can bill the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for reimbursement of services using certain CPT codes that are specifically for RPM. This can provide new revenue of more than $1,300² per patient per year when the claims are filed appropriately. Smart Meter has developed an RPM Calculator for healthcare professionals to see how much revenue they could be generating by billing CMS for RPM services utilizing these CPT codes. RPM Revenue Calculator - Smart Meter (smartmeterrpm.com)

The use of RPM continues to grow rapidly and with that comes the increased knowledge to manage the programs in more efficient ways, leading to better ROI and more patients benefiting and improving because of the program. Earlier this year, Sage Growth Partners surveyed 141 healthcare executives and 90% said an RPM program has yielded a positive ROI. And respondents also said that proven implementation processes deliver predictable, low-risk methods for starting a program, with 90% of them using an external partner for RPM and CCM. In comparison, in a similar Sage Growth Partners survey from three years ago, only 60 percent of medical practice physicians and managers said RPM had a high return on investment.

“When considering an RPM program, healthcare organizations should investigate all the challenges and benefits,” said Smart Meter CEO Casey Pittock. “Once they do that, we feel confident they will see how the benefits of RPM, both financially and clinically, can provide a positive ROI. Smart Meter currently supplies hundreds of RPM and CCM companies with the data, devices, and services to help them deliver a positive ROI for their healthcare customers who are embracing RPM.”

A1c Reduced by 2.8% for Improved Patient Outcomes
In addition to financial returns, RPM also provides clinical returns that lead to fewer hospital readmissions and reduction in overall healthcare costs. In a Howard University study of patients with diabetes using the iGlucose®, 70% of high-risk participants lowered their A1c by an average of 2.8% within 90 days³.

A 30-day study by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences of 59 pregnant women with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, who frequently tested with Smart Meter’s cellular-enabled iGlucose® glucometer showed an increased satisfaction with their diabetes management. Eighty-six percent of participants noted that the automatic transmission of blood glucose results to their physician helped them better maintain their condition. Participants who used the iGlucose glucose meter demonstrated increased positive appraisal of diabetes and general life satisfaction

Baum Consulting Services implemented an RPM program using Smart Meter’s cellular devices and saw excellent results. One of the highlights of the program included a male patient in his 70s with hypertension, who, after two out-of-range blood pressure readings had adjustments made to his medication was able to avoid an emergency room visit. Another patient with diabetes had an A1c of 10.4 before starting the program but was able to reduce that to 6.6 in about a year and a half.

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, embracing innovative technologies like RPM will be crucial for improving patient care and operational efficiency. By investing in RPM, healthcare organizations and practitioners can stay ahead of the curve, delivering high-quality care in an increasingly digital world.

About Smart Meter, LLC
Smart Meter is the trusted supplier of cellular Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Chronic Care Management (CCM) solutions. We empower a nationwide network of SmartPartners™ who are working directly with healthcare providers to transform patient care. Millions of vital health data readings are reliably delivered across our platform every day to enable real-time, better-informed health care. Our proprietary patient-friendly, cellular FDA-registered monitoring devices are connected to an exclusive AT&T 4/5G private data network to ensure an engaging patient experience for improved adherence. For more information, visit www.SmartMeterRPM.com

1 – https://www.ehidc.org/sites/default/files/resources/files/ROIPGHD_7.26.18_final.pdf

2 - Based on the average of current reimbursement rates for CPT 99453 ($18.77), CPT99454 ($62.44), and CPT 99457 ($51.61).

3 - The Benefits of Remote Monitoring of Real Time Blood Glucose Data Using iGlucose System in Managing Patients with Diabetes, Howard University Diabetes Center.

Smart Meter Unveils Groundbreaking Multi-Cuff Blood Pressure Monitor for Remote Patient Monitoring and Chronic Care Management

Revolutionary Cellular RPM™ Device Sets New Standard in Patient Care with Enhanced Accuracy and Remote Monitoring Capabilities

Smart Meter, the leading supplier of Cellular Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)^™ solutions, is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest innovative product: the first cellular-connected, multi-cuff blood pressure monitor specifically designed for RPM and chronic care management (CCM). This cutting-edge device is set to transform the landscape of patient care by delivering unparalleled accuracy, inclusivity, and access to comprehensive health insights for the 129 million Americans living with a chronic illness.

In response to the growing demand for effective RPM solutions, Smart Meter has engineered a multi-cuff blood pressure monitor that addresses the limitations of traditional single-cuff devices. The new iBloodPressure Classic Multi Cuff Monitor is a revolutionary monitor designed to provide healthcare professionals with a more detailed and accurate understanding of a patient’s blood pressure trends over time, essential for managing chronic conditions and optimizing care strategies.

These three different cuff sizes are designed to comfortably fit arms from 8.6 to 20.5 inches in diameter, an impressive 11.9-inch range, setting the benchmark for inclusive in-home blood pressure monitoring. This ensures that patients with arms that are a variety of sizes can easily position the cuff correctly, which is essential for the reading to be as accurate as possible.

According to American Heart Association research¹, having an appropriate cuff size is imperative for best results. In addition, the research revealed:

Using a one cuff size-fits-all approach when measuring blood pressure may lead to striking inaccuracies in blood pressure measurement and diagnosis, according to a new study.
Inaccurate readings due to wrong cuff size were particularly evident in people with obesity, who require large or extra-large cuff sizes for accurate blood pressure readings.
It is important for health care professionals and the public to recognize the importance of cuff size for office, kiosk and home blood pressure measurement.

Key Features of the Multi-Cuff Blood Pressure Monitor:

Multi-Cuff Technology: Unlike conventional monitors that rely on a single cuff, Smart Meter's device includes three cuffs of varying sizes to accommodate a broader range of patients. This feature ensures accurate readings across different arm sizes and conditions, enhancing the monitor's versatility and reliability.
Enhanced Accuracy and Precision: The advanced technology behind the multi-cuff system ensures that readings are more precise, reducing the likelihood of errors caused by ill-fitting cuffs or incorrect positioning. This improved accuracy is crucial for effective hypertension management and treatment planning.
Remote Monitoring Capabilities: Integrated with state-of-the-art cellular connectivity, the monitor allows for seamless remote patient monitoring. Patients can easily transmit their blood pressure data to their healthcare providers in real-time, facilitating timely interventions and personalized care adjustments.
User-Friendly Interface: The device is equipped with an intuitive one-button interface, making it easy for patients to take their readings. The clear and straightforward design ensures that users of all ages can manage their blood pressure monitoring with confidence, and its ease-of-use can help support patient engagement and adherence, leading to improved health outcomes.
Comprehensive Data Analytics: The monitor facilitates easy reporting and trends, offering healthcare providers valuable insights into a patient’s blood pressure patterns. This real-time, accurate data supports more informed decision-making and enhances the management of chronic conditions such as hypertension and heart disease.
Secure Data Transmission: Patient data is transmitted securely using advanced encryption protocols on the nation’s only private RPM data network, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and protected against unauthorized access.

Transforming Chronic Care Management

The introduction of this multi-cuff blood pressure monitor represents a significant advancement in chronic care management. By enabling more accurate measurements and facilitating remote monitoring, the device empowers healthcare providers to offer more personalized and effective care. Patients benefit from a more accurate assessment of their health status, leading to better management of their conditions and improved overall outcomes.

“Accurate transmission of a patient’s blood pressure is crucial for healthcare providers to track trends and make care plan adjustments when needed,” said Smart Meter CEO Casey Pittock. “We listened carefully to our customers who serve tens of thousands of providers to develop this new version of our iBloodPressure Classic monitor that is now compatible with three different cuff sizes. These new cuff sizes will not only help a broader range of patients but also help improve the accuracy of those readings.”

Availability and Future Developments

The multi-cuff blood pressure monitor is now available for purchase through Smart Meter’s nationwide network of authorized SmartPartners. The company is committed to continuing its innovation in healthcare technology, with plans to further enhance its product lineup and expand its offerings in remote patient monitoring and chronic care management.

For more information about the multi-cuff blood pressure monitor and other Smart Meter products, visit http://www.smartmeterrpm.com.

1 - Study finds blood pressure cuff size matters, affects blood pressure readings | American Heart Association

Only 6.3% Of People With Diabetes Rely On Continuous Glucose Monitors For Diabetes Management, Possibly Due To High Costs And Accuracy Concerns

Although continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) continue to be promoted as an innovative tool for diabetes management, overall adoption is low because there are several issues with these devices that make it difficult for patients and providers. These issues are detailed in a new, in-depth blog by Smart Meter, the leading supplier of Cellular Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)^™ solutions.

The first and foremost issue is the cost of using a CGM, which not only includes the initial setup of as much as $1,200, but ongoing fees that can be up to $300 a month. This presents a large barrier to many people with diabetes who cannot afford that kind of out-of-pocket expense.

“While CGMs have been widely commercialized, they are simply not attainable for a large number of people with diabetes,” said Casey Pittock, Smart Meter CEO. “In addition, the enormous amount of publicity that weight-loss drugs have received has complicated the CGM market, slowing demand. These two factors are leading more and more physicians to prescribe glucose monitors that use a small drop of blood to measure the patient’s current glucose level.”

Another major problem with CGMs is disconnection issues because they rely on Bluetooth, WiFi, and a smartphone to send the reading. When one of these connections is lost, patients, the supplier of the device, and sometimes the physician’s office, must spend time pairing, synching or troubleshooting to regain the connection. This leads to missed readings and lost data that is critical to diabetes management.

There is also concern about the accuracy of CGMs. One reason for inaccuracy with CGM readings could be how they measure glucose. With traditional blood glucose monitoring, patients are measuring the amount of glucose that is present in their blood at that exact moment in time. In contrast, CGM devices pierce the top layer of skin and measures glucose in the interstitial fluid and not actual blood, which is not as accurate. CGMs may also require periodic calibration with traditional blood glucose meters. For example, an Abbott press release about Libre Rio, an over-the-counter CGM, states "if readings do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions."

One study¹ found that while CGM devices may lead to improved glycemic control in patients with diabetes, there were many issues with the technology, which often led to patient dissatisfaction and discontinued use. Among the top reasons cited was varying levels of accuracy between sensors, particularly on the first and last day of wear. This led to 59% of participants stopping use of their CGM device for at least one month. Another 32% of users continued to test their blood sugar using traditional blood glucose monitoring six or more times a week, to ensure they were getting accurate blood glucose readings.

“These critical issues can lead to uncertainty, frustration and lack of adherence to testing protocols among patients,” Pittock said. “Smart Meter’s iGlucose Plus meets the highest standards for accuracy and as soon as the patient tests, the result is sent immediately to a provider or healthcare organization.”

CGMs are only used by about 6.3 percent of the 34 million Americans with diabetes, but it’s important to understand this complex technology. To help educate patients and healthcare providers on CGM devices as a treatment for the management of diabetes, Smart Meter has created this important blog, which can be read in its entirety here: Challenges With Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Connectivity, Costs, and Usability - Smart Meter (smartmeterrpm.com)

1 - Perceptions of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems in the T1D Exchange Diabetes Registry: Satisfaction, Concerns, and Areas for Future Improvement - PMC (nih.gov)

Smart Meter Launches Innovative Healthcare Technology Marketplace for Better Patient Support

Smart Meter, the leading supplier of Cellular Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)^™ solutions, has launched the industry’s first user-friendly ordering experience that transforms the way RPM vendors and healthcare organizations purchase RPM products and services. Based on input from more than 500 customers across the US healthcare ecosystem, Smart Meter has built the Smart Solutions Platform (SSP) Marketplace to provide a seamless customer experience for delivering RPM products and services directly to patients for immediate health monitoring.

The SSP Marketplace is an intuitive image-driven system, making it easier for customers to select their desired RPM product, enroll in monthly services—such as the SmartTouch™ device use optimization program—and pay via credit card to ensure timely processing of the order. Existing customers entering the SSP Marketplace will see their familiar SKUs and photos of devices that are specific to their organization.

When new customers utilize the SSP Marketplace, they will be able to initiate and sign a contract, select products and monthly services, and make a payment in a matter of minutes. By using the new system, a new customer can reduce the number of touches it takes to place their first order and be providing their healthcare clients and patients with clinically validated cellular RPM solutions faster by shipping directly to the patient’s home.

“Smart Meter is committed to making it easy for any type of healthcare vendor or provider to do business with us and the new SSP Marketplace is a great example of that, “said Casey Pittock, Smart Meter CEO. “With this new ordering experience—combined with our world-class logistics and the industry’s only private data network for cellular connectivity—our customers can now provide an even more compelling service for their providers and their patients by quickly selecting the vital RPM solutions needed to monitor health conditions.”

The products available in the SSP Marketplace include the complete line of proprietary cellular Smart Meter devices. Some of these are the iGlucose Plus®, the most accurate blood glucose meter available; the iBloodPressure Classic® and iBloodPressure Pro®, available in multiple cuff sizes; the iScale® and iScale Plus®, supporting bariatric patients up to 551 pounds; the iPulseOx®, Smart Meter’s patented cellular-enabled pulse oximeter; all accessories and supplies such as iGlucose test strips; the SmartTouch device use optimization service; and available customer packaging options.

Complimentary monthly services for all customers include Tier 1 customer support, Tier 2 technical support, dedicated Client Success Manager, 4g/5g private data network for cellular connectivity, Device Management Self Service Portal access, shipping and handling, API key and documentation, performance reports and device use analytics, and marketing assets and promotional resources.

Fifty-Five Percent of Hypertension Patients Said They Have Issues Sending Results from Bluetooth®-Connected Blood Pressure Monitors

The number of people in the U.S. with hypertension continues to rise and so does the use of remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices to track the progress and manage the care of hypertensive patients and those with other chronic conditions. A majority of patients, however, have issues sending their readings to a healthcare professional when using remote monitoring systems that require Bluetooth^®-connected devices, apps, and hubs.

Only about 25% of people with hypertension have their condition under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control¹ and the Mayo Clinic lists home monitoring as a key factor in helping patients control their blood pressure. In the 2024 National Hypertension Survey, 55% of respondents said they have some type of issue sending their reading when using a Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure monitor. And 30% said they always have an issue, which is a significant increase from the 8% in the 2023 National Hypertension Survey. The problems and frustrations experienced by patients due to Bluetooth connectivity can adversely impact regular testing and the transmission of vital sign data to the care team.

“Providing hypertension patients with the ability to self-monitor and for the vital sign reading to be sent to their provider is a crucial step in helping them control their disease,” said Dr. Bill Lewis, a member of the CHQI Telemedicine Standards and Medical Advisory Board and Chair of the Telemedicine Accreditation Committee. “With a cellular remote patient monitoring system, there are no Bluetooth connections, hubs, or apps, making it easier for patients to take their vital signs and know their test results are being viewed and tracked regularly.”

Smart Meter, a leading supplier of cellular-enabled RPM solutions, verified the challenges with Bluetooth RPM. “We manage a quarter of a million patients every day for our customers with our cellular RPM solutions and private data network and we believe that more than half of these switched from Bluetooth-connected RPM devices and hubs to Cellular-connected RPM, which requires no hub,” said Casey Pittock, CEO of Smart Meter and a member of the AT&T Healthcare Executive Advisory Council. “There has been a noticeable uptick in the number of providers and RPM companies moving away from Bluetooth hubs and devices to our patient-friendly cellular RPM devices which require no hub, app, or smartphone.”

In addition to Smart Meter’s proprietary cellular-connected iBloodPressure^® systems for hypertension and other Cellular RPM™ solutions for diabetes and weight monitoring, the company provides one of the most secure and reliable platforms for transmitting vital signs to healthcare professionals. The company, in collaboration with AT&T, created the first RPM Private Data Network (RPND), purpose built for the unique challenge of transmitting large amounts of patient-generated health data.

The RPND incorporates multiple layers of encryption for data generated from Smart Meter proprietary devices that will only connect and transmit through this private network – the data never touches the public internet. This ensures that vital signs are reliably and securely delivered every time. In 2023, the Smart Meter platform managed 1.93 billion records, delivering patient-generated vital signs to healthcare professionals across the U.S. The platform has now achieved an impressive six years of 100% uptime, supporting an average delivery time of 86 milliseconds.

According to Mr. Pittock, “With the unmatched reliability and flexibility of our purpose-built Cellular RPM devices and Private Data Network, our SmartPartners are assured of the most dependable and secure healthcare information in the RPM industry. Our customers don’t have to allocate resources to solve the technical problems and service headaches that arise when Bluetooth devices or hubs disconnect – which happens for at least 55% of Bluetooth users according to this recent national hypertension survey. The results show that Cellular RPM wins every time.”

About Smart Meter, LLC
Smart Meter is the number one trusted supplier of cellular Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) solutions. We empower a nationwide network of SmartPartners^TM who are working directly with healthcare providers to transform patient care. Millions of vital health data readings are reliably delivered across our platform to enable real-time, better-informed health care. Our proprietary patient-friendly, cellular FDA-registered monitoring devices are connected to an exclusive AT&T 4/5G private data network to ensure an engaging patient experience for improved adherence. For more information, visit SmartMeterRPM.com

¹Facts About Hypertension | cdc.gov

Fifty-Four Percent Of Hypertension Patients Said Remote Patient Monitoring Would Help Them Better Manage Their Disease

Hypertension is a leading factor for heart disease, which causes more than 600,000 deaths annually

The number of people in the U.S. with hypertension continues to grow and along with that so does the risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in America. There are more than 119 million Americans who suffer from high blood pressure, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

People at risk are encouraged to be proactive about heart health and learn about the risk factors for high blood pressure. Only about 25% of people with hypertension have their condition under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control¹ and the Mayo Clinic lists home monitoring as a key factor in controlling blood pressure.

As American Heart Month winds down, Smart Meter, the leading supplier of cellular remote patient monitoring (RPM) solutions™, would like to encourage providers who care for people with hypertension to help their patients take control of their blood pressure by self-monitoring with an easy-to-use cellular-RPM device that sends the reading immediately to the physician.

In the 2024 National Hypertension Survey, 56% of those surveyed said that if they knew their results were being sent to their provider, they would test more consistently. That is an increase from 53% in the 2023 National Hypertension Survey. Also in the 2024 Survey, 54% said that an RPM program would help them better manage their blood pressure between doctor visits.

According to American Heart Association research² “real-time monitoring programs can reduce systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) significantly, compared to traditional self-monitoring. “This can lower the incidence of hypertension-related acute events, cutting costs of hospital stays and ER visits.” In one study³ of home monitoring, 25% of patients were able to stop using hypertensive drugs.

“Any resource that aids or encourages hypertension patients to self monitor is incredibly valuable in the efforts to control the disease,” said Dr. Bill Lewis, a member of the CHQI Telemedicine Standards and Medical Advisory Board and Chair of the Telemedicine Accreditation Committee. “By using a remote patient monitoring (RPM) system with cellular-enabled devices that send readings immediately to a provider, patients know their test results are being viewed and tracked regularly.”

With Smart Meter’s proprietary cellular-connected iBloodPressure^® systems, the measurement is transmitted instantly to the patient’s physician through our exclusive private data network that ensures reliability, security, and privacy every time. Because all our iBloodPressure monitors provide easy, one-button operation, patients feel more comfortable testing on a regular basis, providing physicians with more data to make care decisions.

“The ability to track key factors that can lead to heart disease is now easier than ever with our iBloodPressure systems”, said Casey Pittock, Smart Meter’s CEO. “Our cellular technology means that the patient isn’t required to do anything after the test. We have seen firsthand the positive impact on patient outcomes when our iBloodPressure monitors are used with an RPM program.”

About Smart Meter, LLC
Smart Meter is the number one trusted supplier of cellular remote patient Monitoring (RPM) solutions. We empower a nationwide network of SmartPartners^TM who are working directly with healthcare providers to transform patient care. Millions of vital health data readings are reliably delivered across our platform to enable real-time, better-informed health care. Our proprietary patient-friendly, cellular FDA-registered monitoring devices are connected to an exclusive AT&T 4/5G network to ensure an engaging patient experience for improved adherence. For more information, visit SmartMeterRPM.com

¹Facts About Hypertension | cdc.gov

²remote-patient-monitoring-guidance-2019.pdf (heart.org)

³ Antihypertensive treatment based on blood pressure measurement at home or in the physician's office: a randomized controlled trial - PubMed (nih.gov)

Validic integrates with Smart Meter cellular-enabled connected health devices

Validic Inc., a market-leading digital health and personalized care company, continues to expand its healthcare IoT platform with the integration of Smart Meter. This integration brings exclusive cellular-enabled, patient-friendly monitoring devices supplied by Smart Meter, a leading connected health solution supplier to a rapidly growing nationwide network of SmartPartners, to the Validic ecosystem.

"Our proprietary monitoring devices can only connect and transmit patient-generated data when connected to our private data network, ensuring reliable and secure delivery to Validic clients," said Smart Meter Chief Marketing Officer Bill Bassett. "And eliminating the need for patients to pair, sync or connect to Wi-Fi or an app on their phone may improve patient satisfaction and increase the use of their monitoring devices."

Validic's health IoT platform is the largest ecosystem of connected health devices and apps, which streams continuous, near-real-time personal health data from 540+ home health and wearable devices. Organizations can access blood pressure, pulse oxygen, blood glucose, heart rate, weight, temperature, sleep, nutrition, respiratory, activity data, and more through a single, endpoint connection.

"Technology should be so easy to use that it becomes invisible to the person using it," said Validic CEO Drew Schiller. "The addition of Smart Meter cellular-enabled health monitoring devices to our ecosystem offers another option to help people focus on their health and live their best lives."

Validic clients can request the addition of Smart Meter connected health devices to their marketplace by submitting a request to support@validic.com.

About Validic
Founded in 2010, Validic Inc. is a digital health and personalized care company devoted to our mission of improving the quality of human life by making personal data actionable. With the world's largest health IoT platform and EHR-embedded remote care application, we help healthcare organizations give every person tailored interventions and personalized care, improving healthcare efficiency and delivery, and empowering people to play an active role in their health and well-being.

Leading healthcare providers, health plans and health IT companies, such as Mass General Brigham, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, CVS Health and Elevance Health, use our solutions to deliver high-touch and personalized chronic condition management, remote care, and support for healthy living. With a platform intentionally built to support a broad digital health strategy and scale across populations and conditions, Validic supports the largest RPM program in the country, with more than 300,000 enrolled patients since its inception and 7,000 referring providers. Our digital health platform has 540+ supported devices with more than 15 billion annual data transactions. Our remote care solution is available as a standard integration in the Epic Connection Hub and Cerner Millennium®.

In 2022, Validic received the North American Customer Value Award for the Medical Device Connectivity Industry by Frost and Sullivan and was named Best Overall Connected Healthcare Solution by MedTech Breakthrough. Validic is HIPAA-compliant, HITRUST CSF Certified®, and ISO-27001 certified for Information Security Management. Visit Validic.com and follow @Validic on Twitter and LinkedIN to learn more.

133 Million Breached Patient Records in 2023 Builds Demand for Reliable Healthcare Technology Partners

The alarming surge in HIPAA breaches persists, with a staggering increase from 51.9 million patient records compromised in 2022 to 133 million in 2023, marking a 256% rise.¹Faced with this relentless onslaught, healthcare providers are intensifying their internal and vendor security measures.

Smart Meter, a premier supplier of cellular remote patient monitoring solutions supporting numerous healthcare programs nationwide, continues to surpass expectations in reliability and security. In 2023, the company's SOC 2 compliant platform managed 1.93 billion records, delivering patient-generated vital signs to healthcare managers. The Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) platform achieved an impressive 6 years of 100% uptime, supporting an average delivery time of 86 milliseconds.

A core principle in handling patient-generated health data is an unwavering commitment to safeguarding patient health information. The potential risks associated with placing patient data in a vulnerable position—subject to theft, modification, or misuse—require careful consideration by healthcare providers, particularly in their choice of RPM solution vendors. Hacking incidents constituted 79.72% of all significant data breaches in 2023.² Vendor systems must provide an integrated layered security model that connects patient devices to the RPM platform, effectively mitigating these cyber threats.

“Smart Meter is the trusted industry leader in RPM, blending cutting-edge technology with user-friendly solutions that propel success for our customers,” emphasized Bill Bassett, Chief Marketing Officer at Smart Meter. “The unparalleled scale and reliability of our purpose-built RPM Private Data Network, complimented with our proprietary Cellular RPM™ devices ensures prompt delivery of patient-generated vital signs.”

In a strategic collaboration with AT&T, Smart Meter has invested significantly in data security technology. This investment plays a crucial role in ensuring the continuous protection and security of patient data, providing a robust defense against potential HIPAA breaches. Smart Meter's commitment to integrating advanced technology, user-friendly solutions, and robust security measures underscores their dedication to delivering reliable and secure RPM services to healthcare providers and, ultimately, improving, and stabilizing patient outcomes.

About Smart Meter, LLC

Smart Meter is the trusted supplier of Remote Patient Monitoring (“RPM”) solutions. We empower a nationwide network of SmartPartners^TM who are working directly with healthcare providers to transform patient care. Millions of vital health data readings are reliably delivered across our platform to enable real-time, better-informed health care. Our proprietary patient-friendly cellular FDA-registered monitoring devices are connected to an exclusive AT&T 4/5G network to ensure an engaging patient experience for improved adherence. For more information, visit SmartMeterRPM.com

1- December 2023 Healthcare Data Breach Report (hipaajournal.com)

2- December 2023 Healthcare Data Breach Report (hipaajournal.com)

Smart Meter CEO Appointed To AT&T Healthcare Executive Advisory Council

Smart Meter, the number one supplier of cellular remote patient monitoring^™ devices and data, is pleased to announce that its CEO, Casey Pittock, has been appointed to the AT&T Healthcare Executive Advisory Council (HEAC). The HEAC is comprised of leaders from healthcare enterprise firms who are at the C Suite level of their organization and responsible for setting global networking strategy priorities. The council collaborates as a group to guide AT&T’s senior executives on global business and healthcare topics of mutual strategic interest.

“Being appointed to the AT&T HEAC is a prestigious honor for Smart Meter and reflects the importance of monitoring people’s health remotely with cellular technology,” Pittock said. “Smart Meter works exclusively with AT&T because of their leadership in healthcare telecommunications and impeccable reputation, and our relationship continues to expand, enabling us to provide fast, reliable, and secure vital sign data so healthcare professionals can make better-informed care decisions.”

The HEAC plays an integral role in helping to shape AT&T’s strategy for developing products and services. Feedback from the HEAC may influence investment priorities and key marketing initiatives, enabling AT&T to refine its business direction to align with its clients’ business challenges and opportunities more directly. Council members also have a unique opportunity for peer-to-peer networking, sharing best practices, and gaining knowledge on leading-edge technology strategies.

“Smart Meter is one of the most innovative and fastest growing companies we work with,” said Joe Drygas, VP of AT&T Government, Education, and Healthcare. “We are pleased to have Smart Meter join our Healthcare Executive Advisory Council. Their leadership in cellular remote monitoring will bring added value to the Council.”

Before joining Smart Meter, Pittock was the founder and CEO of Udex Software, a cloud platform for the home health industry. Previously, he was President and CEO of Tunstall Americas, the US division of Tunstall Healthcare Group, the world’s largest medical alarm provider. He served as CEO at two health tech start-ups and led sales at BAM Labs, the technology powering smart beds. Pittock was also the founder and CEO of TelCARE Systems, which was acquired by Lifeline, and subsequently by Philips Electronics North America. Over a twenty-five year career the products and services his companies delivered have helped millions of people better manage their health.

About Smart Meter, LLC

Smart Meter Builds on Role as Innovator in Cellular Remote Patient Monitoring

New patents awarded for cellular-enabled RPM™ in the US and Europe

Smart Meter, the leading provider of cellular Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) solutions, has recently been granted two groundbreaking patents, expanding its position as a healthcare technology innovator. The integration of cellular connectivity into vital sign monitoring devices for more reliable and effective remote patient monitoring traces back to Benjamin Atkin, a successful serial entrepreneur and founder of Smart Meter. After being diagnosed with diabetes, Atkin quickly grew frustrated with trying to manage his condition with unreliable Bluetooth® glucose meters. He set out to build the world's first cellular-enabled glucose meter and in 2017 received approval from the FDA for the iGlucose^® cellular-enabled glucose meter. In 2019, he was granted the related patent for the wireless monitoring of medical test data. Since then, Smart Meter has expanded its intellectual property portfolio, and the latest patents secured by the company build upon this rich legacy of innovation.

Smart Meter has been granted a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a cellular pulse oximeter system This cutting-edge, cellular-connected system for collecting pulse oximetry data, revolutionizes the interaction with end-users. Patients simply attach the pulse oximeter to their finger, press one button, and after collecting physiologic data, the pulse oximetry system seamlessly transmits information to healthcare providers through Smart Meter’s Private Data Network for RPM built with AT&T. The system modernizes pulse oximetry with features like multi-user capability, voice-controlled interaction, and audio-visual indicators. With the potential to simplify chronic condition management for over 54 million Americans, including those with COPD, heart disease, and post-COVID complications, Smart Meter’s patented solution for pulse oximetry technology, will help healthcare professionals monitor health and reduce costs.

Smart Meter has also been granted a patent by the European Patent Office, titled "System, Apparatus, and Method for the Wireless Monitoring of Medical Test Data,". This patent complements the earlier United States patent awarded to Atkin for the iGlucose cellular glucose meter system, presenting a comprehensive approach for various medical tests. The European patent includes the automatic transmission of aggregated physiologic data results through European cellular networks, enabling wireless transmission, storage, monitoring, notifications, and additional functionalities. This innovative method supports the management of chronic conditions, including diabetes, underlining Smart Meter's commitment to advancing global wireless monitoring solutions for medical test data.

“Innovation is one of the five strategic pillars at Smart Meter and our product development team works at the forefront of new technologies, systems, and processes to facilitate care management for our national network of cellular RPM customers,” said Casey Pittock, CEO of Smart Meter. “We will continue to supply the remote patient monitoring industry with meaningful, technology-driven solutions that deliver relevant data to support better care.”

About Smart Meter, LLC
Smart Meter is the trusted supplier of Remote Patient Monitoring (“RPM”) solutions. We empower a nationwide network of SmartPartners^TM who are working directly with healthcare providers to transform patient care. Millions of vital health data readings are reliably delivered across our platform to enable real-time, better-informed health care. Our proprietary patient-friendly cellular FDA-registered monitoring devices are connected to an exclusive AT&T 4/5G network to ensure an engaging patient experience for improved adherence. For more information, visit SmartMeterRPM.com