RPM Pilot Slashes Hypertension, Offers Blueprint for US Health Centers

TAMPA, FL – March 03, 2026 – A landmark study in Puerto Rico has demonstrated a powerful new model for managing chronic disease in vulnerable communities, with 54% of participating patients with previously uncontrolled hypertension achieving blood pressure control. The success of the pilot, which combined easy-to-use cellular monitoring devices with culturally-competent clinical oversight, has prompted an immediate expansion into the continental United States, offering a potential lifeline to community health centers nationwide.

The announcement comes from Smart Meter, a leading supplier of remote patient monitoring (RPM) technology, and digiiMED, a clinical services firm specializing in value-based care. Following the high-impact results, digiiMED will bring the proven model to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across the U.S., which form the primary care backbone for millions of underserved Americans.

The Puerto Rico Blueprint

Conducted between May and September 2025, the pilot program was a focused effort to tackle the pervasive issue of uncontrolled high blood pressure. Funded by the Puerto Rico Primary Care Association, the initiative targeted 360 high-risk patients across three FQHCs. The average patient age was 66, a demographic where consistent and effective hypertension management is critical to preventing severe cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes.

At the heart of the program was the pairing of advanced technology with personalized human support. Patients were equipped with Smart Meter’s iBloodPressure® monitors, which operate on a cellular network. This key feature eliminates the need for patients to have a smartphone, Wi-Fi, or any technical expertise, a common barrier to telehealth adoption in elderly and low-income populations. The devices automatically transmit readings to a secure clinical platform.

This stream of data was monitored by digiiMED’s bilingual clinical team, which provided culturally-aware care management. The results demonstrated remarkable patient engagement: 333 patients actively participated, transmitting an average of 14 readings per month. Over the course of the pilot, more than 23,000 blood pressure readings were collected and seamlessly integrated into patient electronic health records, providing care teams with unprecedented visibility into their patients' health outside the clinic walls.

A retrospective analysis of 179 patients who met the study criteria revealed clinically significant outcomes. Beyond the 54% who achieved blood pressure control, 30% of all participants showed a clinically meaningful improvement in their readings. This consistent flow of data allowed for early interventions, timely medication adjustments, and continuous support that is impossible to achieve through episodic, in-office visits alone.

A Lifeline for Community Health Centers

The success in Puerto Rico provides a scalable blueprint that directly addresses the immense pressures facing America's FQHCs. These community-based health centers are on the front lines, providing comprehensive primary care to over 30 million people, often in medically underserved urban and rural areas. They operate on tight budgets and serve populations with a high burden of chronic disease and complex social needs.

For FQHCs, performance is not just about patient health; it is intrinsically linked to financial viability. They report extensive data to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) through the Uniform Data System (UDS), which includes key quality benchmarks like blood pressure control. Strong performance on these metrics is crucial for securing federal grant funding and succeeding in the broader healthcare industry's shift toward value-based care, which pays providers for positive patient outcomes rather than the volume of services rendered.

The digiiMED and Smart Meter model proved it could directly impact this critical metric. By improving blood pressure control, the program not only enhances patient health but also strengthens an FQHC’s quality scores, supporting its financial stability and ability to continue its mission. The ability to achieve this with a scalable, technology-driven program is a game-changer for resource-strapped centers looking to improve care without overwhelming their staff.

“This program validates what is possible when reliable, always-connected technology is paired with proactive, clinical engagement,” said Casey Pittock, CEO of Smart Meter. “We are excited to support digiiMED’s expansion into the U.S. market and to bring this proven model to FQHCs nationwide that are seeking scalable ways to improve hypertension control, meet quality metrics, and enhance patient access to care.”

Bridging Gaps with Cellular Tech and Human Touch

The pilot's success hinges on a dual approach: removing technological barriers for patients and adding a layer of expert clinical support. The use of cellular-enabled devices is a critical component, effectively bridging the digital divide. In many underserved communities, reliable home internet is a luxury, and complex Bluetooth pairing or smartphone app navigation can be insurmountable hurdles for patients. Cellular RPM devices work out of the box, requiring the patient only to take their reading as they normally would.

This “plug-and-play” simplicity drove the high engagement and data collection rates seen in Puerto Rico. However, technology alone is not a panacea. The data must be translated into action, which is where digiiMED’s clinical model proved essential. Their bilingual, culturally-competent team understood the specific needs and contexts of the patient population, fostering trust and encouraging adherence. This high-touch clinical oversight ensures that the flood of data from RPM devices leads to meaningful interventions rather than creating alert fatigue for providers.

“The results in Puerto Rico demonstrate both clinical impact and operational scalability,” said José Alvarez, CEO of digiiMED. “As we expand into the United States, our goal is to help more FQHCs and primary care organizations improve outcomes for high-risk populations through a seamless combination of connected devices, bilingual clinical support, and actionable data.”

The New Standard for Chronic Care

The Smart Meter-digiiMED collaboration arrives as the broader healthcare landscape is rapidly embracing remote care. The global RPM market is projected to grow exponentially, reaching over $100 billion in the next decade, propelled by an aging population, the rising prevalence of chronic conditions, and a systemic push for more efficient, home-based care models.

This pilot moves the conversation beyond just providing a device. It demonstrates the power of a comprehensive service that integrates technology, clinical workflow, and patient engagement to achieve measurable, value-based outcomes. By proving its effectiveness in a challenging FQHC environment, the model offers a compelling case for a new standard in chronic disease management.

With digiiMED's strategic expansion, health centers across the U.S. will soon have access to this turnkey solution. For the millions of Americans battling chronic hypertension, particularly those in communities with limited resources, this scalable approach represents a significant step toward more equitable and effective healthcare.