Unlocking the Power of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring: A New Era in Patient Care and Provider Revenue

The healthcare industry is embracing digital transformation like never before, with Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) leading the charge in optimizing patient care and financial sustainability. By enabling healthcare providers to track patient adherence, symptoms, and response to treatment remotely, RTM is revolutionizing care delivery. Imagine the ability to continuously monitor a patient’s recovery journey in between office visits.

Beyond its clinical benefits, RTM is also reshaping the economics of healthcare. With the introduction of Medicare's billing codes for Remote Therapeutic Monitoring, providers can generate a sustainable revenue stream while delivering enhanced patient care. RTM services are reimbursable, making remote check-ins and therapy monitoring both effective and financially viable.

Whether you're looking to increase patient engagement, reduce hospital readmissions, or expand revenue opportunities, RTM is the future of health care.

What is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)?

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is a healthcare delivery method that leverages digital technologies to track patient adherence to therapy programs, response to treatment, and progress in managing chronic or acute conditions. Unlike Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), which primarily focuses on physiologic data such as blood pressures and blood sugars, RTM is specifically designed to monitor non-physiologic data such as musculoskeletal function, respiratory health, mental health, therapy adherence, and medication compliance.

RTM is particularly beneficial in cases where patient behavior and therapy adherence are crucial for successful treatment outcomes, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychotherapy, and chronic pain management. By collecting therapy-related patient data remotely, providers can make informed decisions, adjust treatment plans as necessary, and ensure better compliance with prescribed therapies.

How RTM Works?

RTM utilizes FDA-approved digital health devices and software applications to track therapy progress, medication adherence, and patient-reported outcomes. These systems securely collect and transmit data to healthcare providers, allowing them to monitor treatment efficacy and intervene when necessary.

The RTM process typically includes:

• Patient Eligibility & Enrollment – Identify patients who can benefit from RTM and determine insurance coverage.

• Device & Software Provisioning – Equipping patients with digital tools like therapy tracking apps, wearable sensors, and/or smart inhalers.

• Data Collection & Transmission – Patients record therapy adherence, medication intake, and symptoms using RTM-enabled devices, transmitting data to healthcare providers via secure cloud-based platforms.

• Data Analysis – Data is summarized for providers so that they can quickly see adherence patterns, trends, or concerns that require attention.

• Intervention– Providers intervene proactively through virtual consultations, therapy modifications, or direct patient guidance based on data insights.

Who can bill for RTM?

RTM can be billed for physicians and other qualified healthcare professionals including: 

• Occupational therapists (OTs)

• Physical therapists (PTs)

• Speech-language pathologists (SLPs)

• Physician assistants

• Nurse practitioners

• Psychotherapists

How do I bill for RTM services?

To maximize reimbursement for RTM services, providers must use the correct CPT codes. Medicare has established specific billing codes for RTM, including:

CPT 98975 – Initial setup & patient education on the RTM device. 

Average payment: $19 (one-time) 

CPT 98976 – Device supply for respiratory system monitoring with at least 16 days of data points (monthly transmission).

Average payment: $43 per month 

CPT 98977 – Device supply for musculoskeletal system monitoring with at least 16 days of data points (monthly transmission).

Average payment: $43 per month

CPT 98978 – Device supply for cognitive behavioral therapy with at least 16 days of data points (monthly transmission).

Average payment: $43 per month  

CPT 98980 – First 20 minutes of interactive communication with a provider.

Average payment: $50 per month

CPT 98981 – Additional 20 minutes of RTM treatment management services within the same month (Billed per additional 20 minutes, maximum of three in a calendar month)

Average payment: $39 per month

Benefits of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recognizes the importance of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring in modern healthcare. RTM offers a wide range of benefits for patients, providers, and the healthcare system:

• Improved Adherence to Therapy – Patients are more likely to follow prescribed therapy programs when real-time monitoring systems track their progress and provide automated reminders. These reminders help ensure medication adherence, completion of prescribed exercises, and overall compliance with the treatment plan. By receiving instant feedback and encouragement, patients stay engaged in their health journey, leading to improved clinical outcomes.

• Greater Convenience & Comfort – Patients can undergo therapy from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for frequent in-person visits to healthcare facilities. This is especially beneficial for individuals with mobility challenges, chronic conditions, or those living in remote areas. Virtual monitoring and telehealth consultations provide accessible and continuous care without disrupting daily life.

• Optimized Treatment Plans – By leveraging real-time data and analytics, healthcare providers can tailor therapy regimens based on individual patient responses. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, physicians can adjust medications, exercise plans, and treatment methods to align with a patient’s specific needs, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and a more efficient care plan.

• Increased Revenue Opportunities – Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) reimbursement models create financial incentives for healthcare providers by compensating them for remote monitoring services. This ensures that clinics and hospitals can sustain digital health initiatives while enhancing patient care. As reimbursement policies continue to evolve, providers can generate additional revenue streams by incorporating RTM into their practice.

• Proactive Intervention – Remote monitoring systems detect deviations in therapy adherence or early signs of complications, allowing healthcare providers to intervene before minor issues escalate into severe health problems. By identifying and addressing non-compliance or negative trends in real-time, providers can make timely adjustments to treatment plans, reducing the risk of medical emergencies and improving patient outcomes.

• Enhanced Operational Efficiency – Digital monitoring tools reduce the necessity for routine in-person checkups by providing continuous patient data. This allows healthcare facilities to allocate resources more effectively, focus on high-risk patients, and reduce administrative burdens associated with scheduling and conducting unnecessary visits. As a result, medical staff can dedicate more time to complex cases and critical interventions.

• Cost Savings – Remote monitoring reduces overall healthcare expenditures by preventing costly emergency room visits and hospital admissions. Early detection of complications, improved therapy adherence, and timely interventions help lower the financial burden on both healthcare systems and patients. By minimizing the need for reactive treatments, organizations can allocate resources more efficiently while improving patient outcomes.

• Advanced Data Insights – Continuous data collection from remote monitoring devices supports medical research, predictive analytics, and evidence-based treatment protocols. Aggregated patient data can reveal trends, enable early disease detection, and contribute to the development of more effective therapies. Healthcare providers can leverage these insights to refine clinical decision-making, enhance population health strategies, and drive innovations in personalized medicine.

The Future of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring

As AI-driven analytics, wearable technology, and digital therapeutics continue to advance, RTM will play an even greater role in healthcare. With expanding Medicare coverage and payer adoption, RTM adoption is set to skyrocket, bringing smarter, more efficient, and accessible therapeutic care to patients nationwide.

At Wellness Connection, we specialize in the full implementation and delivery of RTM services, managing everything from start to finish—including billing, training, documentation, and ongoing support. Our comprehensive approach ensures that both patients and clinics benefit, with minimal effort required from the clinic. Our dedicated mobile app EMPWR makes it easier than ever for patients to track their progress, stay engaged with their therapy, and receive real-time communications from their providers. By embracing RTM, providers can not only elevate patient care but also ensure long-term profitability and success in the evolving healthcare landscape.

To explore more about Remote Therapeutic Monitoring and how it can transform healthcare, click the button below to learn more.