HCF to provide remote health monitoring to 3,300 patients

Not-for-profit health insurer HCF is rolling out an initiative that will enable 3,300 people with chronic illnesses to use Internet-connected biometric monitoring devices to manage their health.

Under Australia’s largest telemonitoring program, HCF is providing patients with WiFi-enabled devices including weight scales and tools for measuring blood pressure, and oximeters for gauging oxygen saturation levels in blood.

Patients with diabetes and hypoglycaemia will also have access to Web-connected glucometers for monitoring blood glucose levels.

The program is the latest in a series of improvements to HCF’s My Health Guardian service, which is delivered by global care management company, Healthways, on behalf of the healthcare provider.

In 2012, HCF upgraded the service with an enhanced website and integrated iPhone and Android apps.

HCF is using the Telstra NextG mobile network to transfer data from the Internet-connected devices to the healthcare provider.

The rollout of the latest service follows the completion of a pilot program last year.

HCF managing director, Shaun Larkin, said My Health Guardian already supports more than 27,000 HCF members who manage a chronic condition.

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