Remote Therapeutic Monitoring with CPT Code 98975

ExpressMBS Editorial Team — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:34:48 +0000

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring with CPT Code 98975

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is a CMS-recognized service for tracking therapy adherence and outcomes.
It is particularly impactful in physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and musculoskeletal care.
Providers can bill RTM using CPT codes 98975, 98977, 98980, and 98981.
RTM improves engagement, outcomes, cost efficiency, and access to care.

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is a healthcare service that enables providers to monitor patients’ therapeutic interventions outside of traditional in-person visits. Unlike Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM), which focuses on physiologic data such as heart rate or blood pressure.

RTM is designed for tracking musculoskeletal, respiratory, and therapy-related outcomes, including physical therapy progress, medication adherence, and patient-reported symptoms.

This guide explains what Remote Therapeutic Monitoring is, how it works, key CPT codes (98975, 98977, 98980), coverage and reimbursement, and its role in improving patient outcomes.

What is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring?

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) allows clinicians, such as physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and respiratory therapists, to remotely track and manage a patient’s therapy adherence, response, and progress.

Primary Goal: Improve patient engagement, monitor progress in real-time, and optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Examples of RTM applications:
- Physical therapy progress tracking
- Medication adherence monitoring
- Respiratory therapy interventions (e.g., inhaler use for asthma or COPD)
- Musculoskeletal conditions (arthritis, osteoporosis, post-surgical recovery)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy programs

How Remote Therapeutic Monitoring Works

Data Collection: Patients use connected devices such as wearables, smart inhalers, activity trackers, or therapy apps.
Data Transmission: The information is securely transmitted to healthcare providers.
Provider Review: Providers analyze the data to monitor adherence, identify issues, and make timely interventions.
Patient Feedback: Providers deliver personalized feedback, adjust care plans, and communicate with patients via secure platforms.

Benefits of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring

Improved Patient Engagement – Real-time feedback motivates patients to stay on track.
Enhanced Outcomes – Providers can quickly adjust therapy for better results.
Reduced Costs – Prevents hospitalizations and limits unnecessary in-person visits.
Expanded Access – Patients in rural or underserved areas receive quality care remotely.

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring CPT Codes

Medicare and some private payers reimburse RTM services under dedicated CPT codes.

98975 – Initial setup and patient education on RTM devices (one-time per episode of care).
98977 – Device supply with scheduled data transmission for musculoskeletal monitoring (per 30 days).
98980 – First 20 minutes of RTM management services by a physician/qualified professional (per calendar month).
98981 – Each additional 20 minutes of RTM management (per calendar month).

These RTM codes differ from RPM codes since RTM focuses on non-physiological therapeutic data.

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring in Physical Therapy

RTM has become especially valuable in physical therapy. Therapists can:

Monitor patient exercises performed at home
Track recovery from surgery or musculoskeletal injuries
Detect adherence issues in real-time
Adjust therapy protocols without requiring frequent in-person visits

Platforms like MedBridge, WebPT, and Limber integrate RTM features for rehabilitation and patient engagement.

Payer Coverage for RTM

Medicare: Covers RTM services under specific CPT codes with documentation requirements.
Commercial Payers: Coverage varies by payer. Examples include:
- Aetna remote therapeutic monitoring – may cover RTM under select therapy programs.
- Other payers often require proof of medical necessity and documented patient engagement.

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring Platforms

Several digital health platforms offer RTM-enabled services:

MedBridge Remote Therapeutic Monitoring – widely used in physical therapy
WebPT – rehabilitation-focused RTM platform
Limber – PT-focused platform with exercise adherence tracking
OneStep, mHealth Global, ThoroughCare, WellDoc – general RTM solutions

Conclusion

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is transforming care delivery by giving providers powerful tools to track patient progress outside the clinic. With the right RTM codes, providers can improve outcomes, boost engagement, and secure proper reimbursement.

Express Medical Billing, help healthcare practices navigate RTM billing, compliance, and payer rules to maximize reimbursement while enhancing patient care.