Manage High Blood Pressure and Type 2 Diabetes at Home in 2025

Half of all American adults live with at least one chronic (ongoing) condition, like diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity. Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama have some of the country’s highest rates of these “cardiometabolic” conditions — health issues related to the heart and metabolism — as well as the highest rates of death from heart disease. But at Ochsner, we are working hard to change that. Through Ochsner Digital Medicine, we have expanded a smart, modern solution to improve health outcomes across the country.

Healthcare access remains a challenge for many, particularly for those individuals facing economic instability, residing in rural areas or lacking reliable transportation. Ochsner Digital Medicine aims to close the gap by offering remote patient monitoring and digital care alongside the traditional healthcare system. According to the World Health Organization, digital health can make health systems more efficient and sustainable, while also improving access to quality and affordable care. Offering more digital services allows choices for those who lack a specialist for their health needs.

Eligible members can enroll in Digital Medicine to take control of their high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes. This program equips patients with user-friendly digital devices (a blood pressure cuff and/or glucometer, where applicable) to submit readings to their medical record. The Digital Medicine care team, which includes a licensed clinician and a group of professional health coaches, review the readings and work with the member to manage medications and provide personalized lifestyle guidance. Members can engage with their care team entirely by phone, through MyOchsner messaging, or in the Digital Medicine app. For members, it’s a simple way to stay on top of their health, from the comfort of their own homes.

This program is particularly valuable during an unexpected disruption, such as a hurricane. If members find themselves displaced temporarily, Ochsner Digital Medicine ensures continued care. With remote patient monitoring and guidance from their care team, members can manage their conditions no matter where they are located. The integration of smart devices and ongoing support allows individuals to stay on track, providing peace of mind during challenging times.

The program also helps members to manage their weight and high cholesterol, if needed.

How is Digital Medicine different from traditional clinic visits?

• Detailed reports: Your expert care team and primary physician can see how your readings are trending week to week. A monthly progress report is available to each member in the Digital Medicine app to help monitor their own growth and improvement.
• Real-time alerts: Data is received in real time. Your care team is notified if the readings look problematic, so they can be promptly addressed.
• Personalized treatment plans: Your dedicated care team, made up of health coaches and a clinician, can adjust medications and create new lifestyle goals, all tailored to your personal needs.

Enrolling in the program is simple. If you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, visit the Digital Medicine sign-up portal to get started.

By combining innovative tools with compassionate care, Digital Medicine is changing the lives of members living with cardiometabolic conditions. Expanding access to care, especially for those facing barriers, is crucial in our effort to improve outcomes. Our commitment to using both technology and traditional methods demonstrates our dedication to achieving better health for all.

Continued Innovation

Ochsner is always striving to find ways to improve. Last year, Digital Medicine launched a new app for members to connect their smart devices to their blood pressure cuff or glucometer. This app links directly with the MyOchsner app, simplifying the process to submit readings to the care team. The app also has features like customizable reading reminders, in-app reading guidance and comprehensive setup instructions with videos. Learning modules within the app cover topics such as forming healthy habits, healthy eating tips and a better understanding of chronic conditions. This resource helps our Digital Medicine team provide an even higher level of support than before to our members.

By harnessing the power of technology and innovation, we are addressing today’s health challenges to pave the way for a stronger, healthier future.

Digital Medicine helps you take charge of common chronic conditions. Learn more here.