How Does RTM Work in Healthcare?

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is transforming the way healthcare providers monitor and manage patients outside the traditional clinical setting. Introduced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2022, RTM focuses on tracking non-physiological data related to a patient’s therapy and adherence. It's a powerful step forward in remote care, particularly for musculoskeletal, respiratory, and behavioral health conditions.

In this article, we’ll break down how RTM works, its key components, and why it’s essential in modern healthcare.

What Is RTM in Healthcare?

RTM, or Remote Therapeutic Monitoring, involves the collection and interpretation of patient data related to therapy adherence and response to treatment using medical devices or software. Unlike Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), which tracks physiological data like blood pressure or glucose levels, RTM focuses on therapy-driven metrics like medication adherence, pain levels, and physical activity related to treatment.

Key Components of RTM

Eligible Conditions
RTM is often used for chronic conditions that require ongoing therapeutic support, such as:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., back pain)
- Respiratory conditions (e.g., COPD, asthma)
- Behavioral health issues (e.g., anxiety, depression)
- Post-surgical recovery
RTM Devices and Software
RTM typically uses FDA-approved medical devices or digital tools (like apps or wearable sensors) that collect self-reported data or track patient behavior.
Data Collection
Patients report data via:
- Mobile health applications
- Wearable devices
- Digital surveys or assessments
Therapeutic Monitoring Codes (CPT Codes)
RTM services are billable using specific CPT codes (e.g., 98975, 98976, 98977, 98980, and 98981), allowing providers to be reimbursed for time spent monitoring and managing therapy remotely.
Healthcare Provider Involvement
Unlike RPM, RTM does not require direct physician involvement—non-physician providers like physical therapists, occupational therapists, and clinical psychologists can manage RTM services.

How RTM Works: Step-by-Step

Patient Enrollment
A provider enrolls a patient in an RTM program and prescribes a specific monitoring device or app.
Device Distribution & Setup
The patient receives access to the monitoring tool, which may be a mobile app or physical device.
Data Collection Begins
Over a 30-day period, the patient uses the device to track adherence, symptoms, or behavior (e.g., exercises completed, inhaler usage, reported pain levels).
Data Transmission
The device sends this information back to the healthcare provider automatically or manually.
Clinical Review
A clinician (not necessarily a doctor) reviews the data and adjusts the care plan if needed.
Patient Communication
Providers may engage in remote interactions to coach or educate patients, improving outcomes and adherence.
Billing and Reimbursement
Services are billed using appropriate RTM CPT codes, often requiring 16 days of data within a 30-day period for reimbursement.

Benefits of RTM in Healthcare

Improved Adherence: Patients are more likely to stick to therapy when monitored remotely.
Personalized Care: Real-time data allows tailored adjustments to treatment.
Reduced Hospital Visits: Fewer unnecessary check-ups and ER visits.
Higher Reimbursements: Offers a new revenue stream for therapists and clinicians.
Patient Engagement: Digital tools improve patient involvement in their health journey.

RTM vs RPM: What’s the Difference?

Feature	RTM	RPM
Focus	Therapy adherence	Vital signs monitoring
Data Type	Non-physiological	Physiological
Eligible Providers	Therapists, clinicians	Physicians, NPs, PAs
CPT Codes	98975-98981	99453-99458

Read More On: How Does RTM Work?

Final Thoughts

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) bridges the gap between in-person visits and at-home therapy. It empowers providers to make data-informed decisions and helps patients manage chronic conditions more effectively. As healthcare continues to shift toward value-based and patient-centered care, RTM stands out as a cost-effective, scalable solution for improved outcomes and enhanced provider-patient interaction.