Box Butte General Hospital Launches Remote Patient Monitoring
Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) is bringing a new way to stay connected to care to patients across the Panhandle with the launch of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM). Supported through Nebraska's Rural Health Care Transformation Program (RHTP), the program extends BBGH's care beyond the hospital and clinic walls and reflects the hospital's mission to lead and innovate in healthcare delivery and community wellness.
With easy-to-use home devices, patients take everyday readings such as blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, or oxygen, which are then sent securely to a BBGH care team. When a reading falls outside a patient's established range, the care team can respond and notify the patient's provider when appropriate. RPM works alongside BBGH's existing Chronic Care Management (CCM) services. A nurse care coordinator provides regular follow-up and support, helping patients stay on track with their care.
The program is designed for patients living with common ongoing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, COPD, heart disease, and kidney disease. Regular monitoring can help identify changes in a patient's health earlier, allowing their care team to respond before a concern becomes more serious. RPM helps patients stay healthier at home and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department.
Our patients are our family, friends, and neighbors," said Lucas Thompson, GNMSS Practice Administrator. "By staying connected between visits, we can help patients better manage their health and feel supported in their own homes."
The service is supported by the RHTP, a federal investment to strengthen rural health care. Nebraska is receiving approximately $218.5 million in the program's first year; BBGH has been awarded $200,000 to support remote care technology, staffing, and training. Because many patients across the Panhandle receive care through BBGH's providers and its GNMSS clinics, the hospital is well positioned to serve as the region's resource for remote care.
Patients and family members who would like to learn more can call 308-762-6660 or visit our website at www.bbgh.org. Enrollment begins in the coming weeks. Patients who are eligible for services may receive a letter in the mail.