New funding helps Geisinger expand, improve hypertension care

DANVILLE, Pa. - Geisinger has been awarded funding to help as many as 10,000 patients across the system better manage their high blood pressure.

The funding, from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, will support remote patient monitoring and self-measured blood pressure programs at 94 clinics. The support will also enable Geisinger to give patients with more complex health needs added support from pharmacists and advanced care providers.

"This funding allows us to use proven approaches like remote patient monitoring across our system, helping us reach more patients and intervene earlier," said Alexander Chang, MD, nephrologist and associate professor of Clinical Research at Geisinger. "By combining these tools with team-based care, we can better support patients with uncontrolled hypertension and improve long-term outcomes."

Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease and cognitive impairment. This project, which underscores Geisinger's commitment to innovation, brings together patients, clinicians, pharmacists, nurses and informatics experts to improve hypertension control across the system.

"Healthy blood pressure is the foundation for so many other aspects of good health," Chang said. "This initiative will help patients and providers work together to address not just the short-term condition of high blood pressure, but to avoid serious, sometimes catastrophic, problems down the road."

This funding award to Geisinger has been approved pending completion of PCORI's business and programmatic review and issuance of a formal award contract.

About Geisinger College of Health Sciences
Educating. Inspiring. Leading. At Geisinger College of Health Sciences, we bring innovation and purpose together to educate the next generation of healthcare leaders. As the academic and research arm of the Geisinger family, our college was founded to enhance and improve community health, with a focus on discovery, hands-on learning and applied practice across our system. Today, we offer a research institute, graduate medical education, schools of medicine, graduate education and nursing, and faculty and professional development programs. Visit geisinger.edu/gchs.

The College is committed to nondiscrimination in all employment and educational programs or activities. Concerns or questions may be directed to the Title IX coordinator whose contact information is available at geisinger.edu/titleix.