Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)
Easily Track Your Blood Pressure or Diabetes from Home
Blood Pressure Program
- Focus: Controlling high blood pressure & heart health
- Eligibility: Open to all UCHC patients
- How This Works: Daily readings with an easy-to-use blood pressure monitor
Diabetes Management
- Focus: Controlling blood sugar levels
- Eligibility: Medi-Cal and qualifying health plans
- How This Works: Once per day or continuous blood sugar tracking with easy-to-use equipment
How the Blood Pressure Program Works
All patients, regardless of insurance type or status, are eligible to participate.
- Eligibility: All patients, regardless of insurance type or status, are eligible to participate.
- PCP Referral: Schedule an appointment with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) to get referred to the program.
- Schedule Device Training: Meet with your RPM Care Manager to receive your blood pressure device and complete hands-on training.
- Track & Ongoing Support: Track your blood pressure regularly from home while your care team closely monitors your readings and schedules follow-up visits to discuss your results.
How the Diabetes Management Program Works
Our staff and volunteers work together to build a welcoming, supportive environment for our neighbors.
- Check Eligibility: Reach out to your PCP or RPM Patient Navigator to determine your eligibility for this program.
- PCP Referral: Schedule an appointment with your PCP to get referred to the program.
- Receive Your Equipment: Standard glucometers are provided in person at the end of your clinic appointment. For Dexcom G7, supplies are shipped directly to your home (they are not available for clinic pickup).
- Setup & Training: Meet with your RPM Care Manager for guidance on using your glucometer or assistance applying your Dexcom G7 sensor for the first time.
- Track & Stay Connected: Track your blood sugar regularly from home while your care team monitors your readings and schedules follow-up visits to review your progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is high blood pressure, and why is it dangerous?
High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels stays consistently high. If left untreated, it can cause significant damage to your circulatory system, increasing your risk for heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health problems. Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, and many are not aware of it. Monitoring at home helps you take active control of your health.
How should I prepare and sit for an accurate home blood pressure reading?
To get the most accurate measurement, follow these guidelines:
- Preparation: Be still before testing. Do not smoke, exercise, or drink caffeinated beverages within 30 minutes of taking a reading. Empty your bladder and sit quietly for at least 5 minutes before measuring.
- Posture: Sit in a chair with back support (such as a dining chair rather than a sofa) with both feet flat on the floor. Do not cross your legs.
- Arm & Cuff Position: Rest your arm on a flat surface (like a table) with your upper arm at heart level. Position the bottom of the cuff directly above the bend of your elbow.
How often should I test my blood pressure at home, and how do I record readings?
It is best to take your readings daily at the same time. If your provider changes your treatment plan, wait 2 weeks after the change before beginning daily measurements. Each time you test, take 2 or 3 readings 1 minute apart and record the numbers on your tracking log.
What is diabetes, and why is managing blood sugar important?
It is best to take your readings daily at the same time. If your provider changes your treatment plan, wait 2 weeks after the change before beginning daily measurements. Each time you test, take 2 or 3 readings 1 minute apart and record the numbers on your tracking log.
What is the difference between a standard Glucometer and the Dexcom G7?
While both tools help you track your blood sugar levels from home, they work differently:
- Standard Glucometer: Uses a traditional fingerstick test strip to check your blood sugar at a single moment in time. Eligible patients receive their glucometer kit in person at the end of their clinic appointment.
- Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): Uses a small sensor worn on your body to measure continuous, real-time glucose readings throughout the day without routine fingersticks. Dexcom G7 supplies are shipped directly to your home (they cannot be picked up at the clinic).
Have Questions About Remote Patient Monitoring?
For any questions about our Remote Patient Monitoring Program, please contact Diana F. Castellanos, our Patient Navigator. She manages UCHC’s Remote Patient Monitoring Program and is here to assist you.