CareSignal Helps VHAN Patients Connect Beyond the Office Visit 

Managing chronic conditions requires more than an occasional visit with a provider. Patients often need assistance between appointments — whether that means tracking home readings, managing symptoms or knowing when to reach out for help. 

To help patients stay connected, in March 2025 VHAN partnered with CareSignal, a deviceless remote patient monitoring platform that uses two-way, secure text messaging to help patients share important health information with the VHAN care team. 

CareSignal has grown from its initial diabetes program offered to Medicare Advantage, Medicare Shared Savings Program and Employee Health Plan patients into a broader resource that can serve all VHAN patients with multiple conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, migraines and hypertension. 

“CareSignal gives our care team another tool to support patients who can benefit from additional outreach,” said Erin Neal, Senior Director of Pharmacy at VHAN. 

Connection Through Technology 

With CareSignal, patients simply respond to text messages or phone calls — no apps or portals are required. They can also choose phone calls if they prefer. When responses require follow-up, VHAN’s nurses and pharmacists reach out directly. 

CareSignal is not an automated chatbot. Patients are connected with real members of the care team, including nurses, certified diabetes educators and pharmacists, who review responses and provide personalized support. Every patient’s personal health information is protected. 

“Patients sometimes ask, ‘Who are you? Is this a bot?'” Neal said. “We want people to know there are real clinicians reviewing their information and responding to them.” 

Diabetes Program 

Since VHAN started using CareSignal for patients managing diabetes, it has enrolled more than 1,200 patients in the program. More than 70% of enrolled patients are regularly texting their blood sugar readings, demonstrating strong engagement with the platform. 

Certified diabetes educators use the information collected through CareSignal to help prioritize outreach and better understand which patients may need assistance managing their condition. 

Adding New Conditions 

Following the success of the diabetes program, VHAN has expanded CareSignal to other areas. 

The COPD program launched in July 2025. Through regular check-ins about symptoms such as breathing changes, cough and sputum production, care teams can identify potential concerns and provide guidance around COPD management, including medication access, preventive care, and when to contact their doctor. 

VHAN also recently launched a migraine program focused initially on Vanderbilt Health employees with a history of migraine-related visits. Pharmacists help patients review medications, understand treatment options and navigate migraine management. 

Based on patient feedback, VHAN enhanced CareSignal by incorporating digital resources and tips to help educate patients on their chronic conditions.  

What’s Next 

VHAN is currently piloting CareSignal for patients managing hypertension, where consistent monitoring and timely intervention significantly improve health outcomes. 

While collecting home blood pressure readings from patients can be a challenge, the system simplifies how patients share these readings with care teams remotely. 

“CareSignal gives our care team another way to engage patients and use that data to manage their conditions,” Neal said. 

VHAN is evaluating other areas where CareSignal can help patients, including transitions of care, emergency department follow-up and medication adherence support. 

A Member Benefit 

CareSignal is available to VHAN members at no extra cost. Providers can connect patients who need support to care management, where the team will determine whether CareSignal may be appropriate. 

“Ultimately, we want nurses to be able to work with patients who can benefit from their expertise,” Neal said. “CareSignal helps us reach more patients and provide the targeted support they need, when they need it.” 

As part of their membership, VHAN members can refer patients to VHAN’s Care Management team at any time. Depending on the patient’s condition, they may be enrolled in Care Signal. To refer a patient, fill out the form or call 615-936-2828.