Remote Therapeutic Monitoring: How CMS Is Using Technology to Improve Patient Care

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is a Medicare-covered service that allows healthcare providers to monitor a patient's response to treatment while the patient is at home. Although RTM is sometimes confused with Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), the two programs are different. RPM focuses primarily on physiological information, such as blood pressure, blood glucose, weight, and oxygen levels. RTM focuses on non-physiological information, including how a patient is responding to therapy, whether the patient is following a treatment program, and certain symptoms or functional conditions.

RTM can be particularly useful for patients receiving physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, and other forms of treatment where ongoing monitoring can improve results.

How Does Remote Therapeutic Monitoring Work?

RTM uses technology to collect information from a patient and make that information available to the healthcare provider. Depending on the program, patients may use a connected device, software application, or other technology that helps track their treatment, adherence, symptoms, or response to therapy.

For example, a patient recovering from a knee replacement might be given a digital therapeutic program that tracks whether the patient is completing prescribed exercises. The healthcare provider can review the information and determine whether the patient is following the treatment plan or may need additional assistance.

The process generally begins with patient education and device or technology setup. CMS recognizes CPT code 98975 for initial setup and patient education. Device-related RTM codes include 98976 for respiratory-system monitoring and 98977 for musculoskeletal-system monitoring.

RTM also includes treatment-management services. CPT code 98980 covers the first 20 minutes of treatment-management services during a calendar month, while 98981 covers each additional 20 minutes. These services involve interaction with the patient and management of the therapeutic program.

What Conditions Can RTM Address?

The applications of RTM are broader than simply measuring vital signs. CMS describes RTM as involving information related to therapy adherence, therapy response, and digital therapeutic interventions.

Musculoskeletal conditions are one important application. Patients undergoing physical therapy for back pain, joint problems, injuries, or rehabilitation may benefit from technology that helps their provider monitor their progress between office visits.

Respiratory conditions are another area of application. RTM can help providers monitor aspects of respiratory therapy and patient adherence to treatment.

CMS has also expanded the RTM code set. Beginning in 2026, CMS added new RTM codes covering additional monitoring services, including codes related to respiratory, musculoskeletal, and other therapeutic applications.

Why Is RTM Important?

Traditional healthcare often gives providers only a limited view of what happens between appointments. A patient may see a physical therapist once or twice a week, for example, but most of the patient's recovery occurs at home.

RTM provides a way to extend the therapeutic relationship beyond the office. Providers can receive information about a patient's treatment activity, communicate with the patient, and make adjustments when appropriate.

For healthcare practices, RTM also creates a Medicare reimbursement pathway for providing ongoing therapeutic management. CMS includes RTM among its recognized care-coordination services, with specific billing codes for eligible providers.

Ultimately, Remote Therapeutic Monitoring represents an important shift toward more continuous healthcare. Instead of relying exclusively on periodic office visits, providers can use technology to stay connected with patients throughout the treatment process—helping patients remain engaged with their therapy and giving providers better information to guide care.