Aeroflow embraces telehealth for sleep patients �We�ve tried to set up a model where everything we do has multiple modalities�
By Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
Updated Fri May 29, 2020
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Aeroflow Healthcare was already dabbling with telehealth for its sleep patients, but the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the provider to ramp up its efforts, says Eric Mongeau.
“We saw an opportunity to get away from the concept of sending a clinician to the homes,” said Mongeau, national sales director of its sleep and respiratory division. “Some (things) are hard to handle over the phone, but we saw opportunity to have a video interaction with patients.”
Aeroflow had already been testing an outsourced telehealth technology platform, so it was well-positioned to pivot once CMS started relaxing certain guidelines and increased reimbursement to make it easier for physicians and other health care professionals to provide telehealth services, says Mongeau.
Clinicians can help patients remotely with everything from initial CPAP set up and mask fittings to changing filters and helping patients maintain that all-important compliance, says Mongeau.
“We have a robust compliance program,” he said. “Our sleep coaching team works with patients for the first 90 days. We use email marketing to communicate with patients—little tricks (to help with CPAP), where they are in the process (of obtaining their CPAP), and educating them on insurance rules.”
Aeroflow still does in-home or in-office visits for patients who prefer to do so, says Mongeau.
“We've tried to set up a model where everything we do has multiple modalities,” he said. “We don't want to put all of our patients into any specific box.”
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