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FAQs

Everything you need to know about ViTel Health
Can Vitel Health's program work with patients who have cognitive impairments?
Yes, Vitel Health has adapted protocols for patients with cognitive impairments, often involving family caregivers or care facility staff in the monitoring process. Simplified device interfaces and regular routines help maintain successful monitoring for these patients.
How many patients can a single Care Coach effectively manage?
Care Coaches typically manage caseloads of 100-150 patients, with the exact number depending on patient complexity and service intensity. This manageable ratio ensures they can provide personalized attention while maintaining program efficiency.
Does Vitel Health offer reports on ROI for practices?
Yes, Vitel Health provides regular ROI reporting that includes both financial metrics (revenue generated vs. practice time invested) and clinical outcomes (improved patient metrics, reduced hospitalizations, etc.) to demonstrate the comprehensive value of the program.
How much does the average patient's health improve with RPM/CCM?
While results vary by condition and individual factors, our data shows that patients enrolled in combined RPM and CCM programs typically experience significant improvements in key health metrics within 3-6 months. This includes better blood pressure control, improved A1C levels, weight management success, and reduced hospitalization rates compared to traditionally managed patients.
What metrics indicate that Vitel Health's RPM/CCM program is working well?
Key success indicators include high patient enrollment and retention rates, consistent reading compliance (>80%), reduction in emergency visits and hospitalizations, improvement in vital sign trends, positive patient feedback, and of course, increased practice revenue through proper reimbursement capture.
How does Vitel Health incorporate feedback from physicians and patients?
Vitel Health actively solicits and incorporates feedback through regular surveys, advisory panels, and direct communication channels. This feedback directly influences platform enhancements, Care Coach training, and service improvements in a continuous quality improvement cycle.
Can Vitel Health's platform track medication changes and their effects?
Yes, the platform allows for documentation of medication changes, which can then be correlated with vital sign trends to help physicians evaluate medication effectiveness. Care Coaches also document patient-reported experiences with medication changes during regular check-ins.
Does Vitel Health have any published research on its program effectiveness?
Vitel Health continuously collects outcomes data and participates in industry research on RPM and CCM effectiveness. We can provide current data on program outcomes during consultations and share case studies from similar practices that have implemented our programs.
How does Vitel Health support disaster preparedness for patients?
Vitel Health incorporates disaster preparedness into patient education, including battery backup options for essential devices, backup monitoring plans during power outages, and protocols for prioritizing high-risk patients during regional emergencies or natural disasters.
How frequently are new RPM devices and technologies incorporated?
Vitel Health continually evaluates new RPM devices and technologies, incorporating proven advancements that enhance patient experience or clinical value. We balance innovation with reliability, only introducing new technologies after thorough testing and validation.
What happens to RPM devices if a patient passes away?
In the unfortunate event of a patient's passing, Vitel Health works with the family to arrange for device return through a simple prepaid shipping process, handling this sensitive matter with appropriate care and respect.
Are there any seasonal considerations for RPM program enrollment?
While enrollment can occur year-round, many practices find benefits to increased enrollment during fall and winter months when chronic conditions often flare up, and patients are more homebound. Seasonal enrollment surges can also align with annual wellness visits and flu season preparation.
How does Vitel Health handle software updates to the platform?
Vitel Health manages all software updates to our cloud-based platform automatically, typically during low-usage hours to minimize disruption. Users always have access to the latest features and security enhancements without requiring any downloads or manual updates.
Does Vitel Health offer any patient satisfaction guarantees?
While we don't offer formal guarantees, Vitel Health maintains consistently high patient satisfaction rates, and we conduct regular satisfaction surveys to ensure quality service. If issues arise, we address them promptly and work closely with practices to ensure both patient and physician satisfaction.
How does Vitel Health stay updated on RPM and CCM best practices?
Vitel Health stays current through ongoing research, participation in healthcare innovation forums, maintaining relationships with regulatory experts, collecting outcome data from our patient population, and regularly updating our protocols based on emerging best practices and technology advancements.
Can the Vitel Health platform be white-labeled with our practice branding?
Vitel Health offers certain customization options including the ability to incorporate practice logos and contact information on patient-facing materials. For larger organizations, additional branding opportunities may be available. Please discuss specific branding needs during your consultation.
How are alert thresholds for patients determined?
Alert thresholds are initially set based on clinical guidelines and physician input during implementation. These can be customized for individual patients based on their baseline readings, condition severity, and treatment goals. Thresholds can be adjusted over time as the patient's condition changes.
What metrics should we track to evaluate program success?
Key metrics to track include patient enrollment numbers, reading compliance rates, number of interventions based on alerts, emergency department visits and hospital admissions compared to baseline, patient satisfaction scores, and of course, practice revenue increases from RPM/CCM services.
Is Vitel Health available nationwide?
Yes, Vitel Health services are available to healthcare providers and patients throughout the United States. Our cloud-based platform and remote device setup allow us to serve clients nationwide.
How do Care Coaches help coordinate care?
Care Coaches help coordinate care by maintaining awareness of all providers involved in the patient's treatment, facilitating communication between providers, ensuring patients attend scheduled appointments, and helping patients navigate the healthcare system effectively.
Can Vitel Health services help improve HEDIS scores?
Yes, Vitel Health services can help improve HEDIS scores by enhancing chronic disease management, increasing medication adherence, reducing hospital admissions and readmissions, improving documentation, and promoting preventive care—all elements that positively impact various HEDIS measures.
Can Vitel Health's program help reduce readmissions penalties?
Yes, by identifying early signs of health deterioration and enabling timely interventions, Vitel Health's program has been shown to significantly reduce hospital readmissions. This can help practices and associated hospitals avoid readmission penalties under various value-based programs.
How do physicians access Vitel Health's platform while away from the office?
Physicians can access Vitel Health's platform securely from any internet-connected device, including smartphones and tablets. This allows for convenient review of patient data and alerts while away from the office, maintaining continuous oversight of patient status.
Can Vitel Health integrate with our existing patient portal?
While direct integration with all patient portals isn't currently available, Vitel Health's system operates alongside your existing platforms. Monthly reports can be imported into your systems, and we're continually expanding our integration capabilities with popular EHR/patient portal systems.
Are there any contracts or term commitments?
Vitel Health typically operates on a month-to-month basis without long-term contracts. Because we share in reimbursement revenue rather than charging fixed fees, our success is aligned with the program's ongoing effectiveness for your practice.
How does Vitel Health handle non-English speaking patients?
Vitel Health offers Care Coaches fluent in multiple languages and provides translated materials to serve diverse patient populations. During implementation, we work with practices to identify language needs and match patients with appropriately skilled Care Coaches.
What should patients do with their readings during travel?
When traveling within the U.S., patients can take portable devices with them and continue monitoring as usual. For extended international travel, patients should discuss a monitoring plan with their Care Coach before departure. Manual tracking methods may be used when outside cellular coverage areas.
How do patients know if they're eligible for RPM/CCM services?
Eligibility is primarily determined by having Medicare coverage and two or more chronic conditions. Patients can discuss their eligibility with their physician or contact Vitel Health directly, and we can help assess coverage based on their specific insurance and health status.
What if a patient moves or changes doctors?
If a patient moves or changes physicians, we can work with their new provider to continue services if the new practice is part of the Vitel Health network. Otherwise, patients would return the monitoring devices and may be able to transition to a similar program with their new provider.
Can patients get feedback on their readings?
Yes, patients receive regular feedback on their readings from their Care Coach during scheduled check-ins. The Care Coach helps interpret trends, celebrate improvements, address concerning patterns, and reinforce connections between lifestyle choices and health metrics.
Is there a patient app for Vitel Health services?
While Vitel Health focuses on solutions that don't require apps to ensure accessibility for all patients, we do offer a web-based patient portal that can be accessed via any internet browser, including on smartphones, for patients who prefer digital engagement.
Can patients with limited dexterity or vision use RPM devices?
Yes, Vitel Health's devices are selected for their ease of use, including large display screens and simple operation. Care Coaches work with patients to adapt usage methods for those with physical limitations, and family members can be trained to assist when needed.
What if a patient forgets to take readings?
If a patient forgets to take scheduled readings, their Care Coach will reach out with friendly reminders. The data hub also features a reminder light that indicates when readings are due. Establishing a consistent routine helps most patients maintain regular monitoring schedules.
What happens if a patient's condition significantly worsens?
If a patient's condition significantly worsens as indicated by their readings or reported symptoms, the Care Coach will follow established protocols for escalation, which may include contacting the physician immediately, advising the patient to seek emergency care if appropriate, and providing follow-up support.
What if a patient doesn't have a smartphone?
Vitel Health's solution does not require a smartphone. Our system uses a cellular data hub that connects directly to the internet, and all devices transmit data automatically without requiring any apps or smartphone connectivity.
How long does it take for a patient to learn to use the RPM devices?
Most patients become comfortable using their RPM devices within just a few minutes. The devices feature simple, one-button operation, and patients receive personalized training from their Care Coach during setup to ensure they feel confident in using the equipment.
How does Vitel Health handle customer support?
Vitel Health provides comprehensive 24/7 customer support for both providers and patients. Practices have a dedicated contact for implementation and ongoing service, while patients have access to both technical support and their assigned Care Coach.
What is Vitel Health's approach to chronic disease management?
Vitel Health takes a proactive, preventive approach to chronic disease management rather than reactive intervention. By continuously monitoring patient vitals, providing coaching support, and enabling timely physician intervention, we help prevent acute episodes and hospitalizations.
Does Vitel Health work with healthcare systems and hospitals?
Yes, in addition to individual practices, Vitel Health works with healthcare systems, clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices to implement comprehensive chronic care management programs tailored to organizational needs.
What is the future direction of Vitel Health?
Vitel Health continues to innovate in proactive healthcare delivery, expanding our range of monitoring capabilities, enhancing our care coaching protocols, and developing new ways to improve chronic condition management while maintaining our commitment to a turnkey solution for providers.
What does 'Vitel' stand for?
The name Vitel reflects our focus on 'vital' health monitoring and management, emphasizing the critical importance of proactive healthcare for patients with chronic conditions.
How long has Vitel Health been providing RPM and CCM services?
Vitel Health has been at the forefront of RPM and CCM services since these programs were first approved by CMS, continuously enhancing our offerings to provide the most comprehensive chronic care management solution available.
What is Vitel Health's tagline?
Vitel Health's tagline is Happy Physicians
Who founded Vitel Health?
Vitel Health was co-founded by Doug Sumaraga (CEO/CTO) and Dr. Brittany Busse (President/CMO), along with a team of healthcare and technology professionals dedicated to improving chronic disease management.
How can I contact Vitel Health?
You can contact Vitel Health via email at sales@vitelhealth.com or by phone at (415) 324-8808. We're always happy to answer questions or schedule a demonstration of our services.
How are Care Coaches trained on compliance requirements?
Care Coaches receive thorough training on HIPAA requirements, appropriate patient communication, documentation standards, Medicare billing rules, and other compliance aspects. They also participate in regular refresher training to maintain current knowledge.
Can Care Coaches help with behavioral health concerns?
Care Coaches can provide basic support for behavioral health concerns such as stress management, mild depression, and anxiety, while helping patients access appropriate mental health resources for more significant needs.
How do Care Coaches support patients during health crises?
During health crises, Care Coaches provide emotional support, help patients determine appropriate next steps, communicate with healthcare providers when needed, follow up after emergency situations, and help prevent future crises through improved self-management.
How do Care Coaches build rapport with patients?
Care Coaches build rapport through consistent, empathetic communication, active listening, respecting patient preferences, celebrating progress, demonstrating reliability, and focusing on the individual needs and goals of each patient.
What health education do Care Coaches provide?
Care Coaches provide education tailored to each patient's conditions, including disease process information, self-monitoring techniques, symptom recognition, medication purposes, lifestyle modification strategies, and when to seek additional medical attention.
Can Care Coaches help patients access community resources?
Yes, Care Coaches help patients identify and access relevant community resources such as transportation services, meal programs, support groups, financial assistance, and other services that support overall health and well-being.
What documentation do Care Coaches provide?
Care Coaches document all patient interactions, including topics discussed, guidance provided, patient concerns, observed health changes, care coordination activities, and plans for follow-up, creating a comprehensive record of ongoing care management.
How do Care Coaches help with lifestyle modifications?
Care Coaches help with lifestyle modifications by providing education about healthy behaviors, setting achievable goals with patients, offering practical strategies for change, monitoring progress, providing accountability, and celebrating successes.
Can providers bill for both RPM and CCM for the same patient in the same month?
Yes, providers can bill for both RPM and CCM for the same patient in the same month, as they are separate services with different CPT codes and requirements.
How are Care Coaches supervised?
Care Coaches are supervised by clinical leadership within Vitel Health, including experienced healthcare professionals who provide guidance, case reviews, quality monitoring, and ongoing education to ensure high-quality patient interactions.
What happens in the case of a Medicare audit?
Vitel Health provides complete RPM-CCM audit support on the physician's behalf at no additional cost. Our documentation is designed to meet all Medicare requirements and withstand audit scrutiny.
How does Vitel Health support quality reporting requirements?
Vitel Health provides comprehensive documentation of all RPM and CCM activities, including vital sign readings, patient interactions, care interventions, and outcome measures, which can support quality reporting requirements for various programs.
Is there a billing fee?
Yes, there is a billing fee of 2.4% of revenue collected, which covers the administrative costs of processing claims and managing reimbursements.
Do commercial insurance plans cover RPM and CCM services?
Some commercial insurance plans do cover RPM and CCM services, though coverage varies significantly by payer and plan. Vitel Health can help practices identify which commercial insurance patients may be eligible for covered services.
Do patients receive bills for RPM and CCM services?
Medicare patients may be responsible for standard Medicare copayments or coinsurance amounts, depending on their specific coverage. These would be included in the normal Medicare billing process.
How are RPM and CCM services documented for billing purposes?
Vitel Health automatically tracks and documents all billable activities including device readings, transmission dates, time spent on care management, patient interactions, and clinical staff services to ensure complete and compliant billing documentation.
What billing documentation does Vitel Health provide?
Vitel Health provides comprehensive billing documentation including patient enrollment information, device provision verification, documented monthly monitoring days, time spent on CCM activities, care management notes, and all elements required for proper CPT code billing.
Are RPM and CCM services covered by Medicare Advantage plans?
Yes, Medicare Advantage plans generally cover RPM and CCM services, though specific coverage and reimbursement rates may vary by plan. Vitel Health can help determine eligibility for your Medicare Advantage patients.
What happens if Medicare denies claims for RPM or CCM services?
Vitel Health only bills for services that have been successfully reimbursed by Medicare. If claims are denied, Vitel Health works to address the issues, resubmit when appropriate, and ensure proper documentation for future claims.
Does Vitel Health guarantee increased practice revenue?
While Vitel Health cannot guarantee specific amounts, practices implementing our RPM and CCM services consistently experience significant revenue increases. The actual amount depends on patient enrollment numbers and Medicare reimbursement rates.
What technical setup is required at the practice?
There is minimal technical setup required. Physicians and authorized staff simply need access to standard internet-connected computers or devices to access the secure web-based dashboard. No special hardware or software installation is needed.
Can Vitel Health's implementation approach be customized for our practice?
Yes, Vitel Health tailors the implementation approach to each practice's unique needs, considering factors such as specialty, patient population, staff resources, existing workflows, and specific goals for the RPM and CCM program.
How does Vitel Health measure program success?
Vitel Health measures success through multiple metrics including patient enrollment growth, reading compliance rates, alert response times, intervention outcomes, hospital admission reductions, patient satisfaction scores, and practice revenue increases.
What is the role of the practice's staff in ongoing operations?
Practice staff have minimal ongoing responsibilities—primarily identifying new eligible patients and responding to clinical alerts when physician intervention is required. Vitel Health handles the daily operations of the program.
How are patient records transferred to Vitel Health?
Vitel Health requires only minimal patient information for enrollment—typically demographic and contact details, diagnoses, and any specific monitoring parameters. This can be securely transmitted through our HIPAA-compliant portal.
Is there a limit to how many patients can be enrolled?
There is no upper limit to patient enrollment. Vitel Health's infrastructure and Care Coach resources can scale to accommodate any practice size, from small independent practices to large healthcare systems.
How scalable is the Vitel Health solution?
Vitel Health's solution is highly scalable, easily accommodating growth from a few dozen to several hundred or even thousands of patients. The platform and service model are designed to expand seamlessly as your program grows.
What ongoing support does Vitel Health provide after implementation?
Vitel Health provides continuous support through a dedicated account representative, regular program performance reviews, optimization recommendations, assistance with patient enrollment strategies, and updates on regulatory or reimbursement changes.
How quickly can we start seeing patients enrolled?
Once implementation is complete, patient enrollment can begin immediately. The first patients typically receive their devices within 1-2 weeks of being identified as candidates for the program.
How does Vitel Health improve the physician-patient relationship?
Vitel Health enhances the physician-patient relationship by providing more continuous care between visits, demonstrating proactive concern for patient health, creating more informed and productive office visits, and improving overall care outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Can existing practice workflows be maintained?
Yes, Vitel Health services are designed to complement rather than disrupt existing workflows. Most of the RPM and CCM activities occur parallel to normal practice operations, with minimal integration points.
Can physicians use Vitel Health for remote medication adjustments?
Yes, the continuous monitoring data provided by Vitel Health creates an excellent foundation for remote medication adjustments, allowing physicians to observe the impact of medication changes in real-time rather than waiting for the next office visit.
What is the minimum number of patients needed to start with Vitel Health?
There is no strict minimum, though the program becomes increasingly beneficial with more enrolled patients. Even small practices can successfully implement Vitel Health services and begin realizing clinical and financial benefits immediately.
Can physicians communicate directly with Care Coaches?
Yes, physicians can communicate directly with Care Coaches through the secure platform to provide guidance, request specific patient interventions, or discuss patient concerns that have been identified.
How does Vitel Health support physician decision-making?
Vitel Health supports physician decision-making by providing comprehensive, longitudinal patient data, identifying trends, flagging concerning readings, documenting patient behaviors and symptoms, and enabling more informed treatment adjustments.
What reporting does Vitel Health provide to physicians?
Vitel Health provides comprehensive reports including patient compliance rates, reading trends, intervention summaries, Care Coach interaction documentation, billing documentation, and outcome metrics to help practices track program effectiveness.
How does Vitel Health handle physician questions or issues?
Each practice is assigned a dedicated account representative who serves as the primary contact for physician questions, technical support, program adjustments, and ongoing service optimization.
Can Vitel Health support patients with complex or multiple chronic conditions?
Yes, Vitel Health excels at supporting patients with complex or multiple chronic conditions. The platform can monitor various vital signs simultaneously, and Care Coaches are trained to address the complexities of multiple condition management.
Can patients view their own health data?
Yes, patients have access to a secure portal where they can view their readings, track trends over time, review notes from their Care Coach, and see their progress toward health goals.
How does Vitel Health help with care plan compliance?
Vitel Health's Care Coaches work directly with patients to ensure they understand and follow their care plans. They provide regular support, education, and motivation, while monitoring adherence to treatment protocols and alerting physicians when intervention is needed.
What training do patients receive on using the RPM devices?
Patients receive personalized training from their Care Coach, who walks them through device setup and proper use, ensures they can take accurate readings, and remains available for ongoing support and troubleshooting as needed.
What if a patient is traveling or on vacation?
Most RPM devices are portable and can be taken when traveling within cellular coverage areas. For extended travel, patients can coordinate with their Care Coach to establish an appropriate monitoring plan during their absence.
How much time do patients need to commit to the program?
Patients typically spend just a few minutes per day or week taking their vital sign readings. Additionally, they participate in brief check-in calls with their Care Coach, usually lasting 15-30 minutes, twice monthly or as needed based on their health status.
What do patients say about Vitel Health services?
Patients consistently report high satisfaction with Vitel Health services, noting the peace of mind from knowing someone is monitoring their health, appreciation for the personal connection with their Care Coach, and improved understanding and management of their chronic conditions.
Are patients responsible for any costs?
For Medicare patients, RPM and CCM services are typically covered with minimal or no out-of-pocket costs beyond standard Medicare copayments or coinsurance amounts, which vary based on their specific coverage.
Can family members be involved in the patient's care?
Yes, with the patient's permission, family members can be involved in care discussions, receive updates, and participate in Care Coach sessions. This can be particularly beneficial for elderly patients or those with complex health needs.
How do patients benefit from Vitel Health's services?
Patients benefit from improved chronic disease management, early detection of health changes, reduced hospitalizations, personalized health coaching, consistent support between doctor visits, and greater peace of mind knowing their health is being monitored continuously.
How do physicians access patient monitoring data?
Physicians access patient data through a secure, web-based dashboard that displays organized patient readings, trends, and alerts. The dashboard can be accessed from any internet-connected device with proper authentication, allowing for convenient review of patient status.
What happens when patient readings are outside normal parameters?
When readings fall outside physician-specified parameters, the system generates alerts. The Care Coach will first contact the patient to verify the reading and assess their status. If intervention is needed, the physician is notified according to practice-defined protocols.
Can specialists use Vitel Health services or is it only for primary care?
Both primary care physicians and specialists can utilize Vitel Health's services. Our platform is particularly valuable for cardiologists, endocrinologists, pulmonologists, nephrologists, and other specialists managing patients with chronic conditions.
What is the typical patient experience with Vitel Health?
Patients receive personalized medical devices, simple setup assistance from their Care Coach, regular check-ins for support, automated transmission of their readings to their physician, timely interventions when needed, and consistent care coordination—all with minimal technical requirements.
How does Vitel Health make it easy for physicians to incorporate RPM and CCM?
Vitel Health offers a completely turnkey solution where physicians simply identify eligible patients. We handle everything else—from patient enrollment and device setup to ongoing monitoring, coach interactions, and billing support—requiring minimal practice workflow changes.
How does a patient get started with Vitel Health services?
Once a physician prescribes RPM/CCM services, Vitel Health handles the entire onboarding process. We contact the patient to explain the program, ship preconfigured devices directly to their home, and have a Care Coach personally help them set up their devices and take initial readings.
How does Vitel Health help physicians improve quality measures?
Vitel Health helps improve quality measures through better chronic disease control, increased preventive care compliance, reduced emergency visits and readmissions, enhanced medication adherence, and more comprehensive care documentation.
What clinical insights do physicians gain from Vitel Health's platform?
Physicians gain valuable insights including trend data between office visits, early warning of deteriorating conditions, medication effectiveness indicators, lifestyle impact on health metrics, and comprehensive documentation of patient health status over time.