The healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving, with CMS has fueled innovation in remote care through programs like Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), Chronic Care Management (CCM), and Remote Therapeutic Monitoring. As more providers embrace RPM to improve outcomes and reduce hospital visits, federal oversight is catching up. The OIG’s 2024 report signals a new level of scrutiny that practices can’t afford to ignore. The reason? Rapid growth of RPM utilization.
Four RPM Growth Trends through 2023
As remote patient monitoring (RPM) rapidly scales, it’s critical to understand just how dramatically utilization and spending have risen. The Peterson Center on Healthcare’s April 2025 report underscores this surge and 4 reasons why robust compliance processes are more critical than ever.
Explosive Spending Growth: Traditional Medicare expenditures for RPM soared from $6.8 million in 2019 to $194.5 million in 2023.
Patient Uptake: The number of Medicare beneficiaries using RPM rose tenfold—from 44,449 in 2019 to 450,860 in 2023.
Improved Engagement: Average RPM episode duration more than tripled, growing from 1.7 months in 2019 to 5.2 months in 2023.
Hypertension Dominates: In 2023, 57 percent of all RPM episodes targeted hypertension, with an average monitoring period of 6.6 months.
These trends have triggered closer scrutiny.
In 2024, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report highlighting the need for additional oversight of RPM services due to their rising use. This development underscores the importance of compliance and effective program management for healthcare providers.
Industry Perspective: Escalating Oversight from Fierce Healthcare
According to Fierce Healthcare, audits of RPM companies have grown significantly since April 2023, ranging from automated MAC denials to investigations led by the DOJ. That means exposure isn’t limited to billing mistakes; it can extend into legal and reputational risk as well.
“Audits of remote monitoring vendors have escalated from routine denials to DOJ-level investigations, setting a new bar for compliance across the industry.”
— Fierce Healthcare, March 2025
As a nationally leading remote care company, we at Nom Care recognize these evolving regulatory challenges. Our services ensure compliant workflow details, including proper device setup, consent obtaining, and accurate billing, all in adherence to Medicare guidelines, while helping providers mitigate risk. Building on insights from our library of articles, we’ll explore how to align with the OIG’s recommendations while delivering optimal patient care.
Whether you are executing RPM or considering it, we anticipate you will have questions. Click this link to set up a consultation with one of our remote care consultants and ensure you have the information you need.
Understanding the OIG Report
The OIG’s report raises concerns about potential fraud, waste, and abuse in RPM services billed to Medicare. Key issues include:
- Improper Billing Practices: Instances of billing for services not rendered or not meeting Medicare’s requirements.
- Lack of Adequate Documentation: More records are needed to support the necessity and delivery of RPM services.
- Need for Enhanced Oversight: Recommendations for stricter regulations and monitoring to ensure compliance.
Aligning with the OIG’s Recommendations
- Ensuring efficient workflows while ensuring compliance
To address the OIG’s concerns, you want a partner that has the capability to:- Implement Robust Documentation: Ensure all patient interactions and data are thoroughly and properly recorded.
- Adhere to Billing Guidelines: Follow Medicare’s billing requirements meticulously to avoid improper payments.
- Regular Program Audits: Conduct internal reviews to proactively identify and rectify compliance issues.
- Enhancing Patient Communication
Effective communication is crucial for program success and compliance.- Maintain Regular Contact: Frequent interactions help monitor patient progress and document care.
- Personalize Engagement: Tailor communication strategies to meet individual patient needs, improving satisfaction and adherence.
- Specialized Care for Chronic Conditions
Specific patient populations, like those with nephrology conditions, require specialized attention.- Comprehensive Care Plans: Integrate RPM and CCM to address complex health needs effectively.
- Detailed Monitoring: Use RPM data to make informed clinical decisions, ensuring care meets medical necessity criteria.
- Leveraging Digital Solutions for Compliance
Technology plays a vital role in meeting regulatory requirements.- Secure Platforms: Use HIPAA-compliant systems to protect patient data.
- Interoperability: Ensure systems can seamlessly share information with other healthcare providers.
- User-Friendly Interfaces: Facilitate easy adoption by both patients and clinicians, improving data accuracy and engagement.
- Demonstrating RPM Benefits
To justify the use of RPM services, it’s essential to showcase tangible benefits. Our article on Benefits of RPM for Nephrology illustrates:- Improved Patient Outcomes: Highlight reductions in hospitalizations and better disease management.
- Cost Savings for Medicare: Emphasize how effective RPM can be in reducing overall healthcare expenditures.
Proactive Steps Forward
- Education and Training: Regularly update staff on compliance requirements and best practices.
- Stay Informed: Monitor regulatory updates from Medicare and the OIG to adjust practices accordingly.
- Collaborate with Experts: Partner with organizations like Nom Care, specializing in compliant remote care solutions.
Nom Care’s Commitment to Compliance and Quality Care
At Nom Care, we are dedicated to helping practices deliver high-quality, compliant RPM and CCM services. Our approach includes:
- Customized Solutions: Tailoring programs to meet specific practice and patient needs.
- Compliance Support: Offering tools and guidance to navigate regulatory complexitie such as transparent documentation workflows, fully licensed US based nurses and real-time end to end audit readiness.
- Data-Driven Insights: Utilizing advanced analytics to enhance patient care and program efficiency.
“Choosing the wrong RPM partner can expose your practice to serious compliance risks.”
Dr. Aamir Iqbal, Physician at AFP Health
“If your RPM partner is guaranteeing revenue, then this is likely a sign that they are not following guidelines and best practices as the monthly variation of billable codes is a variable and not a constant. This would mean that every patient is getting billed codes that they may not qualify for in that month. Ultimately, putting your practice at risk.”
Conclusion
The OIG’s call for increased oversight is a pivotal moment for the evolution of remote care. By aligning with these recommendations, selecting the right partner, and focusing on compliance and patient-centric care, practices can continue to leverage RPM’s benefits while minimizing risks.
Learn More with Nom Care
Navigating the evolving landscape of remote patient monitoring doesn’t have to be daunting. Nom Care is here to support your practice every step of the way. Since the new codes became available, our team has helped onboard over 90,000 patients.
- Contact Us: Contact us to learn how we can enhance your RPM (and CCM) programs. Click here to schedule a brief consult, or call us at 888-440-Nom (8486).
- Explore Our Resources: For more insights and best practices, visit our many resources. Have an idea on a future topic? Drop us an email at sales@nomcare.com and share your idea!
About Nom Care
Nom Care is a remote care company helping healthcare organizations stay connected with patients between visits. Built by a team with more than 60 years of combined healthcare experience, including over 25 years in remote care, Nom Care supports smarter, more proactive care for chronic conditions. The platform combines proven software, flexible program design, and a growing team of licensed, U.S.-based nurses to deliver real-time clinical support that integrates seamlessly into existing workflows. With more than 100,000 patients served, Nom Care empowers care teams to strengthen relationships, reduce administrative burden, and deliver meaningful care between appointments.