What is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)?

What Is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)?

Remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) is a set of CPT codes introduced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that allows healthcare providers to monitor and manage patients remotely using medical devices or software solutions that meet the FDA definition of a device (SaMD) that collect nonphysiological data. 

Unlike remote patient monitoring (RPM), which collects physiological data such as blood pressure or heart rate, RTM focuses on monitoring nonphysiological data, including patient-reported outcomes and adherence to treatment plans. These services can enhance patient engagement, improve clinical decision-making, and support remote interactions between patients and providers.

RTM is designed for conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems, as well as behavioral health, and enables clinicians to track therapy adherence, therapy response, and other patient-reported health data. It is considered particularly useful in outpatient and rehabilitation settings, where continued monitoring of a patient’s adherence and progress can help guide interventions.

How RTM Works

RTM services involve the collection, monitoring, and management of patient health data to support treatment goals. The process typically includes the following:

1. Patient Enrollment: A healthcare provider determines eligibility and initiates RTM services. For physical therapists, RTM will be included as part of their plan of care.
2. Data Collection: Patients use an RTM-eligible medical device or digital platform to log therapy adherence, symptom progression, or other relevant health data. This data may be collected passively through connected devices or actively through patient-reported outcomes measures.
3. Clinician Monitoring: Providers review RTM data to assess adherence, symptom progression, and patient response to therapy, using these insights to guide treatment modifications.
4. Patient Engagement: Clinicians communicate with patients through secure messaging, phone calls, or telehealth visits to reinforce adherence and address any barriers to treatment.
5. Billing Considerations: Providers may bill for RTM services if they meet CMS-defined engagement and time-based thresholds. RTM documentation must clearly support the services rendered.

RTM CPT Codes Overview

CMS has established the CPT codes for RTM services. Physical therapists use the following codes when leveraging an RTM platform:

• 98975: Initial setup and patient education on the use of an RTM device. This code is reported once per episode of care.
• 98977: Supply of a device for monitoring the musculoskeletal system, each 30 days. As in  98976, the device must actively collect and transmit data.
• 98980: Remote therapeutic monitoring treatment management services, requiring at least one interactive communication (e.g., phone call, telehealth visit) and a minimum of 20 minutes of provider time in a calendar month. This includes data review and patient monitoring.
• 98981: Each additional 20 minutes of RTM treatment management services within a calendar month.

These codes allow providers to be reimbursed for their time spent reviewing patient data and engaging with patients regarding their treatment plans. RTM services must be conducted in compliance with CMS and payer-specific documentation requirements. You can learn more from the APTA practice advisory.

Best Practices for Implementing RTM

Healthcare organizations implementing RTM should consider the following best practices to optimize patient outcomes and ensure compliance:

• Patient Selection: Identify patients who would benefit from RTM based on their condition, engagement level, and ability to use digital tools.
• Device Selection and Training: Ensure patients receive the appropriate RTM-approved device, and provide clear guidance on how to use it effectively.
• Consistent Monitoring and Follow-Up: Develop workflows for reviewing RTM data regularly and responding to patient needs in a timely manner.
• Standardized Documentation: Maintain structured documentation of RTM activities, including device usage, patient interactions, patient consent, and provider interventions.
• Clear Communication With Patients: Educate patients on the purpose of RTM, set expectations for engagement, and provide ongoing support to encourage adherence. Also check on patient progress and ensure appropriate documentation of their activities during in-person visits.

For more detailed best practices, you can look at our article here.

Important Considerations

While RTM provides opportunities for improved patient management, providers should work with their billing and compliance teams to ensure proper implementation. Coverage policies may vary between Medicare and private payers, and regulations are subject to change. Organizations should also assess the impact of RTM on workflow efficiency and patient engagement to refine their approach over time.

For the latest updates on RTM guidelines and reimbursement policies, refer to the official CMS website or consult industry guidelines. You may also want to look to resources provided by AMA, such as this brief: https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/issue-brief-commercial-payer-coverage-digital-care.pdf

Learn more about how to use Medbridge to support RTM by visiting the RTM Help Center.