What's Happening?
The healthcare industry is increasingly focusing on the adherence to wearable health devices, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), as a critical factor for improving health outcomes. According to a recent op-ed, adherence rates for CGMs vary significantly
depending on the acquisition channel. Medicare beneficiaries who receive CGMs through durable medical equipment (DME) channels, which offer structured onboarding and follow-up support, show higher adherence rates compared to those who obtain them through pharmacy channels. The op-ed highlights that while access to these devices has increased, the real challenge lies in ensuring sustained use. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services aims to make health-oriented wearables widely available, but without proper support, many users abandon these devices before realizing their benefits.
Why It's Important?
The focus on adherence rather than mere access to wearable health devices is crucial for achieving meaningful health improvements and financial sustainability in the healthcare sector. As health plans face tightening margins and rising chronic disease burdens, ensuring that patients continue to use devices like CGMs can lead to better clinical outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. The op-ed suggests that adherence infrastructure, including education, technical assistance, and human support, is essential for long-term device usage. This shift in focus could drive significant changes in how health plans and providers approach digital health investments, emphasizing the importance of sustained engagement over initial distribution.
What's Next?
Health plans are expected to redesign their approaches to CGM programs, prioritizing human-first adherence strategies. This includes providing tailored education, ongoing coaching, and aligning incentives around retention rather than volume. As the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) increases scrutiny on outcomes tied to remote monitoring technologies, health plans will need to demonstrate the value of digital tools through improved adherence rates. Collaborations with partners that have access to comprehensive data and advanced technology tools will be crucial for strengthening engagement and preventing adherence collapse.
