A Pilot Study of a Sensor Enhanced Activity Management System for Promoting Home Rehabilitation Exercise Performed during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Therapist Experience, Reimbursement, and Recommendations for Implementation

Bibliographic Data

ID15469126
AuthorsVeronica A Swanson (0000-0003-4004-9397, University of California, Irvine), Vicky Chan (0000-0003-2791-9001, University of California, Irvine), Betsaida Cruz-Coble (University of California, Irvine), Celeste M Alcantara (University of California, Irvine), Douglas Scott (0000-0003-0393-0724, University of California, Irvine), Mike Jones (0000-0002-7499-5907, Shepherd Center), Daniel K Zondervan (Flint Rehabilitation Devices (United States)), Naveen Khan (Pt Pal, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003, USA), Jan Ichimura (University of California, Irvine), David J Reinkensmeyer (0000-0002-3196-8706, University of California, Irvine, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume18
Issue19
Pages10186-10186
Publication date2021-09-28
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph181910186
PMID34639494
OpenAlexW3202221813
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited29

Adherence to home exercise programs (HEPs) during physical rehabilitation is usually unmonitored and is thought to be low from self-reports. This article describes exploratory implementation of a Sensor Enhanced Activity Management (SEAM) system that combines HEP management software with a movement sensor for monitoring and motivating HEP adherence. The article also presents results from attempting to gain reimbursement for home use of the system with therapist oversight using Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM) codes. Four therapists used the system in their regular practice during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therapists filled out surveys, kept notes, and participated in interviews. Billing and reimbursement data were obtained from the treatment facility. Exercise data from the SEAM system were used to understand HEP adherence. Patients were active for a mean of 40% (26% SD) of prescribed days and completed a mean of 25% (25% SD) of prescribed exercises. The therapists billed 23 RPM codes (USD 2353), and payers reimbursed eight of those instances (USD 649.21). The therapists reported that remote monitoring and the use of a physical movement sensor was motivating to their patients and increased adherence. Sustained technical support for therapists will likely improve implementation of new remote monitoring and treatment systems. RPM codes may enable reimbursement for review and program management activities, but, despite COVID-19 CMS waivers, organizations may have more success if these services are billed under supervision of a physician

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Health care · Medical emergency · Pandemic · Physical therapy · Reimbursement · Cardiovascular and exercise physiology · Medicine · Physical Activity and Health · Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery · Rehabilitation

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