Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1437735
3 Maxim Inergrated | 2020 Andrew Baker Managing Director, Advanced Sensor Products, Maxim Integrated I n an unprecedented time like this, when healthcare resources are stretched in ways we've never experienced in modern times, patients can face challenges in accessing our traditionally centralized healthcare services. In some cases, they might suffer additional discomfort if care is delayed or face risks if they visit a facility where care is also being given to COVID-19 patients. The time is now to embrace and accelerate the deployment of remote patient monitoring to ensure that chronic conditions are managed to improve outcomes and reduce the need for regular healthcare facility visits. In addition, in the event of pandemics such as COVID-19, remote monitoring can be a valuable tool to help healthcare professionals triage incoming cases based on each patient's condition. We certainly have the technology to support a more decentralized yet personalized model of healthcare. From sophisticated sensors to advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI), the underlying technologies are now available to enable accurate wearable medical devices that collect and transmit data to support remote patient monitoring. Challenges with deploying technology at the point of use are certain. And as society becomes more technology-oriented and if individuals are not able to apply the solution to themselves, a care network of family members or professionals can often assist. Connectivity challenges and ensuring that data is being FOREWORD collected reliably can be solved with careful product design and simple set-up requirements. Recently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved four Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for the reimbursement of remote patient monitoring (RPM). (CPT is a medical code set used to report medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures and services to entities such as physicians, health insurance companies, and accreditation organizations for reimbursement.) So, the incentive is there to move toward more remote monitoring. Wearable devices in varied forms—rings, wristbands, earpieces, and patches—can provide continuous remote monitoring in a convenient, unobtrusive manner for key biometric signals, such as heart rate, blood-oxygen levels (SpO2), and body temperature. In the future, blood pressure and blood-glucose levels will likely be added to the list. Continue reading to learn how Maxim is delivering more personalized healthcare solutions to improve outcomes and at a lower overall cost—to create a healthier world.