Technology Helps Patients Live Independently

Expanding Availability

Bisio says the trial has already succeeded in lowering the number of hospitalizations and emergency room admissions in the test population. Humana has ordered another 400 devices so it can get even more complete test data. She says that doctors who've been working with the device are extremely happy with the results, since it allows them to keep better track of patient progress while reducing the number of major interventions. Bisio hopes that once the results of the pilot are completed in early 2012, Humana Cares will expand the program.

Because the CareInnovations Guide is part of a health care management system, and requires a substantial backend, it's only available through institutions. CareInnovations says pricing for the system varies, but averages $2 to $3 per patient per day. While Humana is using a proprietary device, CareInnovations says the guide software has now been approved by the FDA for the Windows 7 platform, and you can expect to see it rolled out on tablet and laptop computers, which could lower the cost and increase accessibility in coming months.