Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is revolutionizing healthcare by enabling providers to remotely track and manage various aspects of patient therapy outside traditional clinical settings. As technology advances, RTM is becoming an essential component of modern patient care, complementing existing remote patient monitoring (RPM) systems. This guide explores the fundamentals of RTM, its clinical applications, coding and reimbursement frameworks, and the ongoing impact of digital health innovations on patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
Healthcare is increasingly shifting toward patient-centered, technology-enabled models. RTM exemplifies this trend by facilitating continuous, real-time data collection and management for conditions that require ongoing therapy adherence and response tracking. Unlike RPM, which primarily focuses on physiological data such as heart rate or blood pressure, RTM encompasses non-physiological data like medication adherence, therapy response, and symptom reporting. This expanded scope allows healthcare professionals to gain a more comprehensive view of patient health and treatment effectiveness, ultimately leading to more personalized and effective interventions.
Scope and Clinical Use of RTM
RTM extends beyond monitoring of musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions. It captures data related to treatment adherence, symptom progression, and response to therapy, regardless of the biological system involved. For example, in respiratory conditions like asthma, patients can use FDA-approved remote monitoring devices—such as smart inhalers—that track inhaler usage, environmental factors, and triggers. This data enables clinicians to assess medication effectiveness, identify adherence issues, and adjust treatment plans proactively.
While there are no restrictions on the biological systems monitored using RPM CPT codes, RTM CPT codes are specifically designed for certain conditions. RTM code 98976, for instance, is limited to respiratory system monitoring, whereas 98977 pertains to musculoskeletal system monitoring. Currently, supply codes for other systems—such as neurological or endocrine—are not yet available, but the scope of RTM is expected to expand as technology progresses.
Methods of Data Collection
Patients can contribute data through self-reporting via digital platforms or upload information manually, which broadens the scope of monitoring. This flexibility is particularly useful for conditions where automatic physiological data collection may be limited or unavailable. Devices supporting Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) can facilitate the collection of non-physiological data, making remote monitoring more accessible and versatile.
Compared to RPM systems that require devices to automatically upload physiological data, RTM allows for more patient-driven input. This capability not only enhances patient engagement but also enables providers to monitor adherence and response more closely. The broader data collection scope supports a shift toward value-based care by reducing hospitalizations and emergency visits through early intervention and continuous management.
Reimbursement and CPT Coding
In October 2020, the CPT Editorial Panel introduced a family of five RTM codes, comprising practice expense-only codes and professional work-only codes. These codes facilitate reimbursement for various aspects of RTM, from initial setup to ongoing management:
- CPT 98975: Initial setup and patient education—reimbursed at approximately $19.65 per episode.
- CPT 98976: Respiratory device monitoring—monthly reimbursement of about $46.83 for 16 days of data collection.
- CPT 98977: Musculoskeletal system monitoring—monthly reimbursement of roughly $48.63.
- CPT 98980: Treatment management involving at least 20 minutes of interactive communication—about $49.78 per month.
- CPT 98981: Additional 20-minute care sessions—approximately $39.30 per session.
These codes enable a broader range of healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurse practitioners, to bill for RTM services, fostering a more interdisciplinary approach to patient care. The codes also support self-reported data, which can be entered manually or uploaded via SaMD, provided the data meets FDA device definitions.
Implementation and Benefits
The adoption of RTM codes enhances the capacity for at-home care, reducing the reliance on face-to-face visits. Healthcare providers can monitor therapy adherence, response, and patient status continuously, allowing for timely adjustments. This ongoing oversight can lead to fewer re-hospitalizations, lower healthcare costs, and improved patient outcomes, aligning with the goals of value-based care.
Practitioners must ensure their chosen RTM devices collect data for at least 16 days within each 30-day period to qualify for reimbursement under certain codes. The ability to bill for both initial and additional management time facilitates comprehensive care without unnecessary billing complexity.
Technology Integration and Future Trends
Platforms like HealthArc exemplify the integration of RTM into clinical workflows. Compatible with numerous Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and connected medical devices, such systems support multiple conditions and provide clinical decision support through data analytics and real-time alerts. These features enable proactive interventions, optimize resource utilization, and uphold strict data privacy standards in compliance with HIPAA.
As remote monitoring technologies evolve, CMS and other regulatory bodies are expected to refine policies and expand opportunities for non-face-to-face care. Healthcare providers should stay informed about these developments to maximize the benefits of RTM and other digital health tools.
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In summary, RTM is poised to become a cornerstone of remote patient management, driving innovations that improve care quality, patient engagement, and operational efficiency. As hospitals and clinics embrace these technologies, staying updated on coding, reimbursement, and regulatory trends will be essential for leveraging the full potential of remote therapeutic monitoring.