#USA #Medicare #Greenville #ChartSpan #Save Remote Monitoring

Introduction

A new coalition named Save Remote Monitoring has been launched, spearheaded by ChartSpan. This group comprises healthcare providers and remote monitoring companies that aim to combat the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposed cuts in the 2027 Physician Fee Schedule. The coalition’s primary mission is to safeguard a crucial Medicare benefit that provides essential care to patients with chronic conditions.

Coalition’s Purpose

Save Remote Monitoring is uniting under the hashtag #SaveRemoteMonitoring to advocate for the interests of patients reliant on remote monitoring solutions. These services are vital for patients suffering from chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure. The proposed changes in the fee schedule threaten to diminish access for the patients these benefits were designed to support.

Critical Issues with Proposed Rule

The CMS has introduced a proposed rule that includes four critical provisions which Save Remote Monitoring aims to challenge:
1. Staffing Restrictions: The most concerning provision allows reimbursement for remote monitoring services only when provided by clinical staff directly employed by the billing practice, excluding contracted personnel. This move contradicts previous CMS stances that permitted remote monitoring by outsourced staff under supervision. The change could critically harm small and rural clinics that rely on external partnerships to deliver effective monitoring solutions.

2. Mandatory Face-to-Face Visit: CMS’s proposal mandates an initial in-person visit before remote monitoring can commence. This requirement could significantly hinder access to care for homebound or rural patients for whom physical visits are a significant barrier. The coalition argues that medical necessity is already established through physician orders and patient consent, making additional visits unnecessary and potentially harmful.

3. Reevaluation of Device Costs: CMS suggests lowering reimbursement rates for device supplies under the premise that costs have decreased. However, the reality is that the comprehensive cost of providing remote monitoring includes FDA-approved connected devices, data connectivity, and continuous clinical oversight—all of which are essential for effective care management. By cutting reimbursement rates below actual costs, these programs could be rendered unviable.

4. Bundling of Services: The proposal also includes collapsing various remote monitoring codes into a few bundled G-codes. This would obscure the distinct services provided and destabilize the billing processes that many healthcare providers have carefully developed. The coalition contends that this move does not solve any identified problems but rather complicates compliance and financial stability.

The Importance of Adequate Enforcement

Save Remote Monitoring emphasizes that genuine instances of fraud within the 医療 system should be met with rigorous enforcement, targeting those who engage in fraudulent activities. The coalition advocates for data-driven methods to identify and penalize improper practices, instead of applying sweeping structural reforms that hinder excellent care models that are already operating effectively.

Call to Action

For healthcare providers and remote monitoring firms interested in joining this movement, the coalition encourages participation through their official website, SaveRemotePatientMonitoring.com. Additional resources including model comment language and coalition updates are available for those wishing to voice their concerns about the proposed rule by submitting comments to Regulations.gov before the September 14, 2026 deadline.

Conclusion

The Save Remote Monitoring coalition represents a pivotal effort to protect patient access to crucial remote monitoring services. As regulatory proposals threaten to undermine these benefits, the coalition stands firm in its commitment to ensure that Medicare patients continue to receive the care they need, without unnecessary and potentially damaging obstacles. Joining this coalition or participating in the comment process can make a significant difference in the fight for safe and effective healthcare practices.