Regulatory Compliance and Ethics
2023 Guide to Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) Codes
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) codes were introduced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2022, enabling physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists to bill for patient monitoring and communication services.
What Is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring?
RTM codes authorize billing for “monitoring non-physiologic data related to the musculoskeletal or respiratory system with the use of a medical device.” These codes cover patient adherence tracking and home exercise program compliance monitoring, allowing providers to receive compensation for remote patient communications and care adjustments regardless of location.
Key Differences: RTM vs. RPM
While Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) codes serve as evaluation codes for physicians, RTM codes accommodate a broader range of providers and patient self-reporting capabilities through medical devices or automated data uploads.
Four Benefits of RTM
1. Improved Patient Outcomes
Enhanced adherence support and real-time patient engagement through phone and chat communication reduces treatment gaps.
2. Better Data Collection
Remote monitoring devices provide real-time functional activity information, enabling more informed clinical decisions.
3. Accessibility
Supports homebound patients lacking transportation or mobility, expanding clinic reach beyond physical locations.
4. Revenue Growth
PT practices that use RTM code billing can generate over $25,000 in annual profit per provider, expanding compensation for previously unbilled work.
2022 RTM Codes and Billing Frequency
| Code | Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98975 | Service | Initial equipment setup and patient education | Once per episode |
| 98976 | Service | Respiratory system monitoring devices | Every 30 days |
| 98977 | Service | Musculoskeletal system monitoring devices | Every 30 days |
| 98980 | Treatment Management | First 20 minutes interactive communication | Monthly |
| 98981 | Treatment Management | Each additional 20 minutes communication | Multiple monthly |
Qualifying Medical Devices
CMS requires devices meeting FDA guidelines under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Qualifying devices include weight monitors, spirometers, blood pressure monitors, glucose monitors, and pulse oximeters — tools that diagnose, treat, or monitor conditions through non-chemical means.
Implementation Requirements
Practices using RTM codes need documentation supporting clinical decisions. Recommended practice management software should provide:
- 24/7 patient portal access
- Custom home exercise programs with compliance tracking
- Health trackers with subjective monitoring
- Activity logs measuring progress
- HIPAA-compliant two-way messaging
Clinics interested in RTM implementation should seek practice management platforms supporting streamlined RTM billing, improved client communications, enhanced patient outcomes, and increased revenue generation through a single integrated system.