Abstract

The modernization of healthcare is critical to all clinicians, especially those who treat patients with chronic pain. Preliminary data suggests that mHealth technology can improve treatment plan adherence, medication protocol compliance and lead to improved patient outcomes. The mHealth platform described bridges a treatment gap that occurs between visits and has been demonstrated to improve clinically important outcomes. Improving physician-patient communication in conjunction with increased patient compliance and monitoring may reduce the risk of opioid misuse and addiction. Importantly, mHealth provides clinicians with information that can help differentiate addiction from tolerance and physical dependence. It may also provide the practice a means to be compensated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and many other payors for the time and expertise of providing daily contact with patients. Lastly, this mHealth platform is designed with attributes that serve as a safeguard against legal liability due to enhanced communication and affirmative clinical documentation.