How to Bill and Use CPT Code 99214 Properly
June 18, 2025
CPT Code 98977 Remote Therapeutic Monitoring for Musculoskeletal System
CPT Code 98977 is a critical component of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM), facilitating patient care through device-based monitoring of the musculoskeletal system. This code applies specifically to the supply of devices with scheduled recordings and/or programmed alerts for a 30-day monitoring period.
Key Information about CPT 98977
Category
- Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)
- Service Code
Description
- Covers the delivery of RTM devices to track treatment compliance and response for the musculoskeletal system.
- Often used by Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists.
Billing and Reimbursement Guidelines
- Frequency: CPT 98977 can be billed once per 30 days, provided the patient uses the device for at least 16 to 30 days.
- Reimbursement: The average reimbursement is $55.72 per billing period.
- Eligibility: Physicians, therapists, and other qualified healthcare providers can be billed under CMS guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
To ensure compliance, document the following:
- Details about the medical device provided (or whether the patient used their own).
- Data on recordings and/or alert transmissions during the 30-day period.
- Insights are gathered from the transmitted data, such as therapy adherence or patient progress.
Who Can Bill CPT 98977?
This code applies to professionals such as:
- Physicians
- Physical Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
Supervision Rules
Under CMS’s 2025 Final Rule, general supervision allows RTM services to be managed by PTAs and OTAs under therapists’ guidance, enabling at-home patient support.
Clinical Example
A patient enrolled in RTM is provided with a device or app for monitoring musculoskeletal exercises. Over the next 30 days, they log activity and pain levels for 20 days, meeting the 16-day threshold—the provider bills CPT Code 98977, ensuring proper reimbursement for the service.
By following these billing, documentation, and eligibility guidelines, providers can seamlessly integrate CPT 98977 into their practice, ensuring effective remote therapeutic care and compliance with reimbursement policies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
CPT 98977 is used for remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM), specifically for the supply of equipment that tracks musculoskeletal system status, such as pain or function levels, over a 30-day period
No, CPT 98977 is not time-based. It's billed once per 30-day period, per patient, regardless of the amount of time spent interacting with the device or patient during that time.
The device must be a medical device as defined by the FDA, capable of automatically collecting and transmitting therapeutic data for musculoskeletal conditions. It should allow for monitoring and treatment response tracking.
This code is typically billed by non-physician healthcare providers such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and clinical staff involved in musculoskeletal therapy and rehabilitation. Physicians can bill it too if appropriate.
Yes. It can be billed with related RTM codes like 98975 (initial setup), 98976 (respiratory system monitoring), 98980, and 98981 (RTM treatment management), but all must meet individual billing criteria.
Yes, Medicare does reimburse CPT 98977, provided the documentation supports medical necessity. As of 2025, the national average Medicare reimbursement is approximately $48–$52, but rates vary by region.
You can bill 98977 once per 30-day period, per device and per patient. Multiple devices for the same condition usually aren’t separately reimbursed unless clearly justified.
You must document:
- The reason for using the device
- Medical necessity
- Patient consent
- Device activation and supply details
- Evidence that the device was used for therapy tracking
It depends on the insurance plan. Some commercial payers may require preauthorization, while Medicare typically does not. Always verify with the specific payer before billing.
