Remote Therapeutic Monitoring & Latest Billing Codes 2024

By Sudeep Bath | May 20, 2024

Remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) is a digital health technology program that connects patients with their healthcare professionals by acquiring non-physiological data which can be self-reported or entered manually into a device and then uploaded digitally and using a virtual healthcare software. It remotely monitors patients and communicates with them in between clinical sessions. In this regard, it is similar to remote patient monitoring.

However, RTM monitors non-physiological data, whereas RPM monitors physiological data, wherein non-physiological data refers to musculoskeletal system status, respiratory system status, therapy adherence and therapy response, whereas physiological data includes measures such as weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, SpO2, and pulse.

RTM data can be self-reported by the patient who manually enters the data into a device and upload it. What makes RTM stand apart from rest of patient monitoring systems is its codes. RTM codes are general medicine codes and more inclusive in who is allowed to bill for it, including therapists, psychologists and pathologists.

Table of Contents

Latest Remote Therapeutic Monitoring CPT Codes 2024

The six RTM CPT codes, classified as general medicine codes include:

98975: This code involves initial setup and patient education. Remote therapeutic monitoring (e.g., respiratory system status, musculoskeletal system status, therapy adherence, therapy response); initial set-up and patient education on use of equipment.

Billed only once at the start of an episode, the reimbursement amount for CPT Code 98975 is $19.65*

98976: This code involves monthly data transmission and supply of device for monitoring Respiratory System. Remote therapeutic monitoring (e.g., respiratory system status, therapy adherence, therapy response); device(s) supply with scheduled (e.g., daily) recording(s) and/or programmed alert(s) transmission to monitor respiratory system.

Billed once every 30 days, the reimbursement amount for CPT Code 98976 is $46.83*

98977: This code involves monthly data transmission and supply of device for monitoring Musculoskeletal System. Remote therapeutic monitoring (e.g., musculoskeletal system status, therapy adherence, therapy response); device(s) supply with scheduled (e.g., daily) recording(s) and/or programmed alert(s) transmission to monitor musculoskeletal system.

Billed once every 30 days, the reimbursement amount for CPT Code 98977 is $46.83*

98978: This code involves monthly data transmission and supply of device for monitoring Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Remote therapeutic monitoring (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, therapy adherence, therapy response); device(s) supply with scheduled (e.g., daily) recording(s) and/or programmed alert(s) transmission to monitor cognitive behavioral therapy.

Billed once every 30 days, the reimbursement amount for CPT Code 98978 is not specified and will be priced by the carrier.

98980: CPT 98980 describes treatment management services for remote therapeutic monitoring that are given by a physician or other certified healthcare practitioner. This code is used when a clinician spends at least 20 minutes every calendar month, including at least one interactive communication with the patient or caregiver, reviewing and monitoring data on the patient’s reaction to therapy and managing their treatment plan.

Billed every calendar month, the reimbursement amount for CPT Code 98980 is $49.78*

98981: CPT 98981 can be used to report an additional 20 minutes of treatment management services for remote therapeutic monitoring performed by a physician or other qualified healthcare practitioner. This code is used when there is at least one interactive communication with the patient or caregiver within a calendar month, in addition to the initial 20 minutes of therapy management.

Billed every calendar month, the reimbursement amount for CPT Code 98981 is $39.29*

*Reimbursement rates for RTM codes will vary depending on the region.

Who Can Bill for RTM?

Physicians and other qualified healthcare providers are permitted to bill RTM, including:

Physical therapists
Occupational therapists
Speech-language pathologists
Physician assistants
Nurse practitioners
Psychologists

RTM is a general medicine code rather than an E/M code, hence there is billing under general supervision allowed. Also, RTM services must be performed directly by the billing practitioner, or in the case of physical therapy under the supervision of the physical therapist or (PT) occupational therapist (OT).

How Often Can RTM Codes Be Billed?

All six codes available for billing RTM have different billing frequencies that can occur concurrently or coincide throughout an episode of care (EOC).

Code 98975 may be billed once per EOC, beginning when the remote therapeutic monitoring service is initiated.
Codes 98976, 98977, and 98978 may be billed once every 30 days.
Code 98980 may be billed once each calendar month for the first 20 minutes of service, regardless of the number of therapeutic monitoring modalities performed during the month.
Code 98981 may be billed once per calendar month for every additional 20 minutes during that month. This code can be billed multiple times in a calendar month for every subsequent 20 minute time block.

Codes 98980 and 98981 are treatment management codes that cover the time spent monitoring patient data, which must be performed by a licensed healthcare professional. These codes are calendar-month-specific, time-dependent, and necessitate at least one synchronous communication session, such as a phone call.

Benefits Of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring For Physical Therapists

Physical therapists (PTs) can use this patient monitoring and management system to gain data-driven insights, make timely interventions, and improve therapy outcomes. RTM technology, includes wearable sensors, smartphone apps, and digital health platforms, allowing physical therapists to track patients’ movements, exercises, and vital signs in real time.

After analyzing this information, physical therapists can provide individualized guidance, formulate therapy programs, and perform exercises to optimize recovery outcomes. Other benefits of RTM include:

Boosts Patient Outcomes
Collects More & Better Data
Offers Additional Revenue Source
Reduces Barriers To Care
Increased Revenue Per Care Plan
Higher Patient Engagement Rate

RTM is also used for monitoring patients with:

1) sleep disorders by tracking their AHI

2) patients suffering from musculoskeletal conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis or general chronic pain

3) patient suffering from respiratory illnesses like COPD or asthma

4) Finally, RTM can also be used to track medication adherence of patients

Get The Most Of Your RTM Reimbursements With HealthArc

RTM is an effective program to improve the quality and efficiency of care for individuals undergoing physical or rehabilitation therapy. Implementing it in your clinic necessitates an initial investment in technology and training. Despite the substantial initial investment, the margins are worth the return on investment.

HealthArc is a leading provider of digital health platforms, RPM systems, and Remote Therapeutic Monitoring software for physical therapists, clinicians, and qualified healthcare professionals. Our digital platform assists PTs in ensuring efficient billing, reimbursement, and patient outcomes.

If you want to know more about our RTM software and billing processes, book a free service demo now or feel free to talk to our team at +201 885 5571 to learn more about our healthcare dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)?

RTM refers to a digital health service that monitors non-physiologic patient data—such as musculoskeletal status, respiratory system status, therapy adherence or response to therapy—via connected devices or patient-entered data.

2. How does RTM differ from Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)?

RTM monitors non-physiologic data (e.g., therapy adherence, musculoskeletal/respiratory status) and allows patient-entered data, while RPM monitors physiologic data (e.g., blood pressure, glucose, SpO₂) that are typically automatically uploaded.

3. What are the main CPT codes used for RTM?

The primary CPT codes for RTM are:
• 98975 — initial setup & patient education.
• 98976 — device supply with monitoring (respiratory system) every 30 days.
• 98977 — device supply with monitoring (musculoskeletal system) every 30 days.
• 98980 — treatment management services, first 20 minutes in a calendar month with interactive communication.
• 98981 — each additional 20 minutes in a calendar month for treatment management.

4. Who is eligible to bill RTM services?

RTM codes can be billed by physicians and other qualified healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, depending on state scope and payer rules. (American Physical Therapy Association)

5. What are the billing frequency requirements for RTM codes?

• Code 98975 may be billed once per episode of care (the start of monitoring) when requirements met.
• Codes 98976 and 98977 may be billed once per 30-day period provided at least 16 days of data collection occurred.
• Codes 98980/98981 are time-based per calendar month (with at least one interactive communication).

6. What documentation or data-collection rules apply for RTM?

For device supply codes (98976/98977) you must collect data on at least 16 days in a 30-day period (for many payers). (Zimmer Biomet) For treatment-management codes (98980/98981) you must have at least one interactive communication during the calendar month and track time spent.

7. Can RTM and RPM services be billed for the same patient in the same month?

No — RTM and RPM cannot both be billed for the same patient in the same month according to Medicare policy.

8. Does RTM require an established patient relationship?

Unlike RPM, RTM does not necessarily require an established patient relationship post-public health emergency (PHE) according to CMS clarification.

9. What kinds of conditions or therapies are typically monitored via RTM?

RTM is often used for monitoring musculoskeletal conditions (like rehab, exercise adherence), respiratory system status, therapy adherence, functional status, pain management, etc.

10. Can therapy assistants or clinical staff provide RTM services under supervision?

Yes — in certain cases clinical staff or therapy assistants may assist, but billing practitioner supervision (often direct supervision) may apply depending on the code, setting, and payer.

11. Are Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) or Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) able to bill RTM?

Yes — under newer policy updates, RHCs and FQHCs may bill for RTM under certain general care management codes, but they must adhere to service-versus monitoring rules and cannot bill both RTM and RPM.

12. What happens if fewer than required days of data collection occur in a 30-day period for device-supply codes?

If the required minimum number of days of data (e.g., 16 days) is not collected, then device-supply codes (such as 98976/98977) should not be billed.

13. What are some best practices to maximise reimbursement for RTM services?

Best practices include: 1) obtaining patient consent and documenting it; 2) ensuring device is defined as a medical device under FDA rules; 3) tracking and documenting interactive communications; 4) ensuring only one practitioner bills per 30-day period; 5) integrating workflows to capture data.

14. Does RTM apply only to chronic conditions?

No — RTM services may be provided for either acute or chronic conditions as long as monitoring and care management are medically reasonable and necessary.

15. What’s the benefit of RTM for therapies such as physical therapy or rehab?

RTM allows therapists or other clinicians to track patient adherence, functional progress, pain, and response to home therapy between visits — improving outcomes, engagement and enabling reimbursement for remote monitoring efforts.

Tags: #billingrtm, #remotetherapeuticmonitoring, #rtmcodes