Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) allows providers to monitor therapy-related data such as exercise adherence, pain levels, and functional outcomes between visits. Unlike traditional remote patient monitoring (RPM) which tracks physiological data, RTM focuses on therapeutic activities.
In rehab therapy settings, RTM supports home exercise programs and ongoing engagement. Clinics collect patient-reported data through apps and use that information to adjust care plans. RTM is billable under specific CPT codes when documentation and engagement thresholds are met.
Why it matters:
RTM supports better continuity of care while giving clinics more visibility into patient progress between visits. It also opens a new revenue stream for the work therapists are already doing.
Pro Tip:
Adding RTM shouldn't mean adding a login. RTM works best when data collection is simple for patients and actionable for clinicians. If it requires extra clicks or a separate app, adoption will fail.
FAQ
- Is RTM only for physical therapy? RTM is commonly used in PT but applies to OT and SLP depending on the care model and payer rules.
- Is RTM reimbursable? Yes. Reimbursement depends on CMS and payer guidelines, specifically regarding the type of device and number of days monitored.
- Is RTM the same as Telehealth? No. Telehealth is a synchronous (live) video visit. RTM is the asynchronous monitoring of data over time.
- Can PTs bill for RTM? Yes, RTM codes were specifically designed to include general medicine providers, which encompasses PTs, OTs, and SLPs.