From Monitoring To Intervention: The Evolving Scope Of Rtm Coding

By Author: infohubconsultancy
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Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) has reshaped how providers care for patients outside traditional clinical settings. What began as a method for tracking therapy data has developed into a system that supports real-time communication, active interventions, and timely clinical decision-making.
Since its introduction in 2022, RTM has steadily expanded to cover musculoskeletal, respiratory, and behavioral health. Alongside this growth, coding rules have become more adaptable, giving providers better tools to improve patient care while protecting reimbursement. This article outlines the major stages of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) coding— from its early foundation to its future role in value-based care.
Stage 1: Foundations – The Start of RTM (2022)
In 2022, the first RTM codes were launched to help providers document non-physiological data such as pain, therapy adherence, and medication use. Unlike Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), which tracks clinical metrics like blood pressure, RTM focused on therapy progress and patient-reported outcomes.
A key feature of this phase was inclusivity. Non-physician ...
... providers — such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists — could use RTM codes, expanding access to remote services. These codes offered a standardized billing method to support patients even outside the clinic.
RTM codes introduced in 2022:
• 98975 – Device setup and patient training
• 98976 – Device supply & data transmission, respiratory (per 30 days)
• 98977 – Device supply & data transmission, musculoskeletal (per 30 days)
• 98980 – 20 minutes of management & interactive communication (per month)
• 98981 – Each additional 20 minutes of management & interactive communication
Stage 2: Expansion – Behavioral Health (2023)
The following year, RTM coding broadened to behavioral health with a dedicated code for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This expansion recognized that mental health is a critical component of patient outcomes.
With this change, providers could track therapy adherence, behavioral patterns, and patient-reported outcomes tied to CBT. RTM became not just a tool for physical conditions but also a bridge between physical and mental health care, supporting long-term treatment strategies and chronic care management.
RTM code added in 2023:
• 98978 – Device supply & data transmission for CBT (per 30 days)
Stage 3: Intervention – Proactive Patient Engagement (2024–2025)
By 2024 and 2025, RTM moved beyond passive data collection. The focus shifted to interactive communication and real-time management. Codes such as 98980 and 98981 enabled providers to connect with patients directly through calls or video, review progress, and adjust therapy as needed.
This shift made RTM a proactive care tool, reducing complications, improving therapy adherence, and enabling early interventions.
Key RTM codes for this stage:
• 98980 – First 20 minutes of interactive treatment management
• 98981 – Each additional 20 minutes of interactive management
Stage 4: Flexibility – Anticipated 2026 CPT Updates
Upcoming CPT updates in 2026 are expected to make RTM more flexible and accessible. The current 16-day requirement for device monitoring will be reduced, allowing billing for shorter monitoring windows of just 2–15 days.
Additionally, new codes will support shorter interactions (10–19 minutes), giving providers more precise billing choices while ensuring reimbursement for meaningful, shorter engagements.
Proposed RTM codes for 2026:
• 98XX4 – Respiratory system device supply, 2–15 days in 30 days
• 98XX5 – Musculoskeletal device supply, 2–15 days in 30 days
• 98XX6 – CBT device supply, 2–15 days in 30 days
• 98XX7 – Treatment management, 10–19 minutes of interactive communication

Stage 5: Future Outlook – RTM in Value-Based Care (Beyond 2026)
Looking beyond 2026, RTM is poised to become central to value-based care initiatives. Its ability to enable early interventions, prevent hospitalizations, and improve long-term outcomes aligns with cost-reduction and quality-improvement goals.
Future developments may include wider payer adoption, stronger integration with electronic health records, and the use of artificial intelligence for data analysis. These advances will strengthen RTM’s role as a continuous, data-driven care tool across musculoskeletal, respiratory, and behavioral health.

Conclusion
RTM coding has evolved from its 2022 beginnings with setup and device codes, through expansion into behavioral health, and into real-time interventions. Now, with flexible billing options on the horizon, RTM is positioned as a critical part of patient-centered, value-based care.
However, the complexity of RTM codes and frequent policy changes present challenges for providers. Maintaining accurate documentation, monitoring time requirements, and staying compliant often require expert support. outsourcing RTM coding and billing service providers in India can help reduce denials, manage CPT updates, and optimize reimbursement — all at lower costs.
FAQs
Q. What makes RTM different from RPM?
RTM focuses on therapy-related progress and adherence, while RPM tracks physiological metrics such as blood pressure or glucose.
Q. Can RTM be applied to short-term therapies?
Yes, upcoming CPT updates support monitoring for as little as 2–15 days.
Q. Does RTM fit into hybrid care models?
Yes, RTM integrates smoothly with in-person visits, supporting hybrid care delivery.
Q. Is RTM useful for chronic care management?
Absolutely — RTM enhances chronic care by tracking adherence and identifying early risk factors.

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