Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) Monitoring Initiative

Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) refers to blood pressure (BP) measurements obtained outside of a clinical setting, usually at home. When combined with clinical support (e.g., counseling, web-based or telephonic support tools, education), self-measured blood pressure can help enhance the quality and accessibility of care for those with high blood pressure and improve blood pressure control.¹ SMBP allows patients to actively participate in the management of their blood pressure and has been shown to improve adherence to antihypertensive medications.¹

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring: Actions Steps for Clinicians. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2014.

Opportunity

Through a partnership with the Virginia Department of Health and grant support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Grant No: DP006535 - Living Well), the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation is offering practices in high priority areas the ability to receive up to (30) Omron 10 Series® Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitors at NO COST in exchange for sharing de-identified patient data on average systolic and diastolic blood pressure over a 6-month period, showing the impact of SMBP on patient outcomes.

Practices will be asked to:

Identify Patients for participation who have either been diagnosed with or are at risk for hypertension.
Educate Patients on how to use the equipment provided and how to perform SMBP using an evidence-based measurement protocol.
Facilitate Implementation of SMBP Monitoring by instructing patients on how to record blood pressure along with when and how they should share results back to care team.
Record Patient Data in their medical record and report the systolic and diastolic measurements of each (de-identified) patient when prompted at baseline, and at the end of 3-months and 6-months.
Establish an SMBP Protocol for use in the practice

MSVF/VDH Responsibilities include:

Supplying Equipment at no cost to the practice.
Data Collection at set intervals of baseline, 3 months and 6 months. A form to record de-identified patient data along with a Patient Consent form to provide awareness of the initiative will be supplied.
Supporting the Practice as requested with information and data collection assistance

Reimbursement

CPT codes are available for the practice to bill for services related to patient training on SMBP, interpretation of SMBP measurements and management based on results. These codes include:

SMBP Specific CPT Codes

99473: SMBP using a validated device; patient education and device calibration. Can be submitted once per device.
99474: Patient submits SMBP readings to qualified health care professional; creation and communication of results and treatment plan. Can be submitted monthly.

Remote Patient Monitoring CPT Codes

99091: Reimbursement for professional time dedicated to monitoring services and does not require interactive communication (like 99457) to bill. Requires a physician or other QHP to perform these services, and requires 30 minutes of time every 30 days to bill. 99457 and 99091 cannot be billed concurrently.
99457: Reimbursement for clinical staff time that contributes toward monitoring and interactive communication which includes phone, text and email. Average national Medicare payment (as of Jan. 2020): $51.54 (non-facility) and $32.44 (facility).
99453: Reimbursement for the work associated with onboarding a new patient onto an RPM service, setting up the equipment and educating the patient on using the equipment.
99454: Reimbursement for providing the patient with a RPM device for a 30-day period. Can be billed each 30 days.

For complete information regarding CPT codes, see the American Medical Association file.

Registration

To register for the program, please email foundation@msv.org.

Interested practices will be asked to sign a Practice Agreement Form to acknowledge understanding of responsibilities. MSVF will coordinate shipment of devices following approval.