Telemonitoring is offered to high-risk patients in an effort to
easily monitor their health and key vital signs. The equipment
is simple for patients to use, and readings are automatically
transmitted through telephone lines. Telehealth is a device
installed in the homes of patients with chronic health
conditions. It automatically measures and transmits vital-sign
readings daily. The service is effective for those with
congestive heart failure, diabetes, or high blood pressure. A
visiting nurse will set up the equipment in the home and explain
its use. The machine is pre-programmed with information about
each person. Daily monitoring is painless and takes only a few
minutes. It requires the person to step onto a scale and attach
a monitoring cuff to the arm. Daily readings will be compared to
standards for such variables as weight, blood pressure, or
pulse. If there is a problem, the current day’s readings will
automatically be transmitted to the nurse and primary care
physician for action. The nurse will coo