VIVUS Accelerates the Launch of Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring Modules to Facilitate Effective Patient Care During “Social Distancing”
Virtual office visits and smart health devices available through the VIVUS Health Platform give physicians new tools for optimizing patient care and protecting the health of those at increased risk for COVID-19
“Effective communication around health conditions, such as obesity, can be difficult under the best of circumstances, and are even more challenging in the current environment in which patients, physicians, and care facilities are adhering to social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These guidelines also make it difficult for cystic fibrosis patients, who are at increased risk of COVID-19 due to their compromised lung function, to consult with their healthcare providers,” said
The VIVUS Health Platform is designed to integrate pharmaceutical solutions, technology and clinical stakeholders to improve patient outcomes through increased information capture, resulting in enhanced patient access, increased adoption, and treatment durability. It includes the VIVUS Advantage Programs, which offer Patient Assistance Programs to facilitate access to medication for uninsured or underinsured patients with obesity or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and also allows patients prescribed VIVUS medications to have their prescriptions filled online and sent directly to their homes.
The telemedicine and remote monitoring modules are designed to leverage normal clinical practices without disrupting routine clinical operations. While the patient-physician interaction takes place virtually through the VIVUS Health Platform, powered by Vital Tech, all other activities, such as scheduling, patient administration, billing, etc., take place utilizing existing clinic processes and resources. The telemedicine module is configured for easy and rapid activation, allowing physician offices and clinics to implement the platform with minimal effort.
Remote patient monitoring is integrated into the VIVUS Health Platform through the Apple Health Kit, Apple Watch, and a wide variety of blue tooth-enabled health devices that will include weight scales, pulse oximeters, spirometers to measure lung function, and blood pressure cuffs. Data from these devices and the Apple Health Kit are transmitted and collated directly into the VIVUS Health Platform, which can be accessed by the patient’s physician. Physicians can utilize these data to monitor a patient’s vital functions, and can implement or adapt treatment to achieve or maintain target goals for important health metrics.
There are no upfront or monthly fees, and physicians pay a fee only for each telemedicine visit and/or for remote patient monitoring. The VIVUS Health Platform is also not limited by a patient’s health insurance plan.
“Obesity is an epidemic in its own right, and in this time of social distancing, patients may find it more difficult to adhere to a healthy diet and activity goals. Patients with cystic fibrosis are challenged day-to-day with the need to avoid respiratory infections, a challenge that is even more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic underscores the critical importance of helping patients manage health conditions that increase their susceptibility to other diseases,” added
Physicians interested in enrolling in the VIVUS Health Platform may contact VHP@vivus.com.
About VIVUS
VIVUS is a biopharmaceutical company committed to the development and commercialization of innovative therapies that focus on advancing treatments for patients with serious unmet medical needs. For more information about VIVUS, please visit www.vivus.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risks and uncertainties related to our ability to execute on our business strategy to enhance long-term stockholder value; risks and uncertainties related to our ability to address our outstanding balance of the convertible notes due in
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Source: VIVUS, Inc.