Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) has opened the door to better patient engagement, continuity of care, and a new stream of revenue for physical therapy practices. But successfully integrating RTM into your clinic means more than using the right tools, it requires a clear understanding of the billing codes that support reimbursement. In this guide, we’ll walk through the Remote Therapeutic Monitoring CPT codes available to physical therapists, what’s required to bill them, and how to avoid common pitfalls that can delay or deny payment.
RTM Billing Overview for Physical Therapy
CMS created five CPT codes that allow PTs, OTs, and SLPs to bill for RTM services. These codes fall into three categories:
- Setup and education
- Device supply
- Ongoing treatment management
Each code reflects a specific service you’re providing, and each has unique requirements. Knowing when and how to use them is key to capturing revenue and staying compliant.
RTM CPT Code 98975: Initial Setup and Education
This code covers the work involved in onboarding a patient to RTM. It’s billed once per episode of care and includes:
- Setting up the RTM software or device
- Educating the patient on how to use it
- Explaining what to expect from remote monitoring
What to Document:
- The date of setup
- The specific platform or device used
- That the patient received training and agreed to participate
Key point: You cannot bill 98975 again if the patient stops RTM and restarts later during the same episode of care.
RTM CPT Code 98977: Device Supply for Musculoskeletal Monitoring
This is the most commonly used supply code for physical therapists. It covers the use of an RTM-qualified device or software that collects and transmits data related to musculoskeletal conditions.
Billing Requirements:
- Billed once per 30-day period
- The patient must interact with the device or software on at least 16 out of 30 days
- You must be collecting non-physiological data (e.g., pain scores, function reports, exercise completion)
Note: The RTM software you use must qualify as a “medical device” under FDA guidelines. Most platforms that are HIPAA-compliant and purpose-built for PT meet this definition, but always confirm with the vendor.
RTM CPT Code 98976: Device Supply for Respiratory Monitoring
While less common in outpatient PT, this code is available for therapists working with respiratory conditions, such as COPD or post-COVID rehab.
Same requirements as 98977:
- Billed monthly
- Patient must log data on 16 or more days
- Data must be relevant to respiratory function and adherence
RTM CPT Code 98980: Remote Treatment Management (First 20 Minutes)
This is where RTM becomes clinically and financially valuable. Code 98980 reimburses you for time spent reviewing data and managing a patient’s care remotely. This includes:
- Reviewing symptom reports or exercise logs
- Adjusting a home program
- Communicating with the patient to check progress or troubleshoot issues
Billing Requirements:
- Minimum of 20 minutes of cumulative time during a calendar month
- At least one live interaction with the patient (e.g., a phone call or video check-in)
- Thorough documentation of what you reviewed, what actions you took, and when you communicated
Important: The interaction must be synchronous—text messages or reviewing data alone do not meet the requirement.
RTM CPT Code 98981: Additional 20 Minutes of Management
If you spend more than 20 minutes on RTM services in a calendar month, you can bill 98981 for each additional 20-minute increment.
This typically applies when:
- You’re managing complex cases
- You’re interacting with the patient multiple times during the month
- Additional data review or documentation is required
Note: Just like with 98980, you must clearly document the time spent and the clinical value provided.
Key Documentation Tips for Remote Therapeutic Monitoring CPT Codes
Accurate and consistent documentation is essential for RTM reimbursement. Here’s what should be included in your notes for each code:
| CPT Code | Documentation Needed |
|---|---|
| 98975 | Date of setup, platform used, education provided, patient agreement |
| 98976/98977 | Confirmation of 16+ days of patient engagement, type of data collected |
| 98980/98981 | Time log, data reviewed, clinical decisions made, communication details |
Using pre-built templates in your EMR or RTM platform can streamline this process and reduce the risk of missed information.
Common Billing Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the right tools, RTM billing can be denied if key requirements aren’t met. Here are the most common issues PTs run into:
- Patient didn’t meet the 16-day engagement threshold
- No documented patient interaction during the month
- Missing or vague notes on time spent and decisions made
- Using non-compliant software that doesn’t qualify as a device
- Billing the same codes for multiple providers in the same month
Avoid these by building RTM checkpoints into your workflow—track time weekly, review patient engagement, and verify compliance before submitting claims.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the RTM billing codes is essential if you want to offer remote care in a way that’s both clinically effective and financially sustainable. With the right documentation and systems in place, these codes allow physical therapists to deliver proactive care, support patients between visits, and be reimbursed for the work they’re already doing.
If you’re just getting started with RTM, start with a few patients, build your process, and document everything. As your confidence grows, you’ll be able to scale your RTM services and create a meaningful new revenue stream for your practice.