6) Telehealth Clock Check: What Expires, What Stays
Signal: policy shiftAction: value proof
What’s new: As certain temporary flexibilities approach sunset dates, national groups are lobbying to preserve broad access—but outcomes data will shape decisions.
Key takeaways
- Capture your own metrics now: no-show reduction, readmission rates, RPM adherence.
- Behavioral health remains a bright spot; general telehealth may see tighter definitions.
Clinic playbook
- Publish a patient-friendly “Virtual Visit Prep” guide (device, lighting, privacy).
- Tag home devices as “telehealth-ready” and pre-chart vitals flows.
7) Wearables Cross the Line: Wellness vs. Medical Device
Signal: regulatory scrutinyImpact: RPM selection
What’s new: Recent enforcement underscores that features implying diagnosis or treatment elevate a consumer wearable into medical-device territory.
Key takeaways
- Expect closer review for BP, SpO2, arrhythmia, and AFib claims.
- Clinics should separate “wellness signals” from “clinical measurements” in patient education.
Clinic playbook
- Standardize on FDA-cleared RPM devices; keep a comparison chart for staff.
- Document data provenance in the chart (device, date, method) to avoid ambiguity.
8) Prevention at Scale: A National Wearables Push
Signal: preventionImpact: data volume
What’s new: A public-health campaign concept is in development to promote wearables for activity, sleep, and cardiometabolic risk awareness—potentially boosting patient-generated data in primary care.
Key takeaways
- Expect more step counts, resting HR, and sleep scores in visits; define how you’ll use them.
- Reimbursable RPM pathways can convert raw data into preventive action.
Clinic playbook
- Offer starter kits (step counter + BP cuff + education card) and group onboarding.
- Create “data hygiene” tips: consistent wear time, syncing before appointments.
9) IPPS 2026: New-Tech Add-Ons Signal What’s Coming Home
Signal: acute → homeImpact: DME demand
What’s new: Inpatient add-on payments for novel tech often foreshadow which devices will migrate to outpatient and home settings within 6–18 months.
Key takeaways
- Watch respiratory support, mobility/orthopedics, and advanced wound care pathways.
- Hospitals trial—then discharge planning expands; DME orders follow.
Clinic playbook
- Pre-build discharge checklists that map inpatient devices to home analogs (rental vs. purchase, training, maintenance).
- Educate case managers on accessory bundles and reorder schedules.
