Bridging the Digital Divide: RPM Strategies for Rural & Underserved Populations

The Equity Gap in Virtual Care 

Rural hospitals are closing at record rates, with more than 150 shutting down since 2010 and many more at risk. At the same time, underserved populations: Medicaid patients, minority groups, and those in low-income communities, continue to bear the brunt of chronic disease, higher hospitalization rates, and limited access to care. 

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is often framed as the solution. But here’s the reality: without deliberate strategies, RPM risks widening the digital divide. Broadband access, device literacy, and socioeconomic barriers are real. As a nurse and client success leader, I’ve seen the difference between programs that simply ship devices and those that actually close equity gaps. 

The Barriers We Can't Ignore

RPM’s promise is powerful, but underserved communities face challenges that can’t be brushed aside: 

• Broadband Access: Nearly 22% of rural Americans lack reliable internet. 

• Device Literacy: Seniors and low-tech populations often struggle with setup and troubleshooting. 

• Affordability: Even with reimbursement, patients may lack smartphones, Wi-Fi, or reliable phone service. 

• Trust & Engagement: Historical inequities and mistrust in healthcare can limit participation. 

Strategies That Work

The good news: we’ve learned what makes RPM accessible, even in the toughest environments. 

1. Start with Low-Tech Modalities 

• IVR (phone-based check-ins), SMS, and tablets with cellular connectivity bypass broadband barriers. 

• Survey-only programs can collect critical data: blood pressure, weight changes, SDoH needs, without requiring expensive devices at the start. 

2. Layer in Community Engagement 

• Tailored enrollment strategies and culturally competent outreach are essential to building trust in underserved populations. 

• Partnering with churches, community centers, and local organizations provides credibility, improves participation, and helps patients feel supported by people they already know. 

3. Simplify the Patient Experience 

• “Plug-and-play” kits with preconfigured devices reduce setup barriers. 

• Support lines and multilingual instructions make patients feel supported, not abandoned. 

4. Build for Flexibility & Scale 

• Start small: identify high-need cohorts, begin with education and surveys, then scale to devices. 

• Match intensity to patient need as some may require daily biometric monitoring, while others benefit from weekly check-ins. 

AMC Health's Equity Advantage

At AMC Health, we’ve spent years helping systems reach patients others couldn’t: 

• Device-Agnostic Flexibility: From cellular-enabled blood pressure cuffs to survey-only engagement, we meet patients where they are. 

• Whole-Person Engagement: Our surveys capture SDoH, mental health, and behavioral data alongside vitals. 

• Clinical & Operational Partnership: We co-design programs so clinicians aren’t overwhelmed, and patients feel connected. 

• Proven Reach: From urban Medicaid populations to rural seniors, AMC Health programs have demonstrated impact across diverse communities. 

Closing the Divide Together

The digital divide is real, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right strategy, RPM becomes more than a monitoring tool, it becomes an equalizer. By lowering barriers, engaging communities, and tailoring approaches, we can extend high-quality care to patients who need it most.