Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM): A Smarter Way to Stay Connected with Patients

During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote services like telehealth became a lifeline. Healthcare, like work and education, shifted online, and many of these digital tools are here to stay. One major advancement is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM).

RTM gives healthcare providers a way to track patients’ progress remotely, especially for therapy, medication use, and symptom monitoring. It’s a game-changer for improving care and expanding access.

What Is RTM?

RTM is the use of technology—apps, software, and devices to monitor patients between visits. It focuses on tracking:

⚫ Medication or therapy adherence

⚫ Pain and mobility

⚫ Respiratory or musculoskeletal symptoms

⚫ Daily habits like exercise and sleep

Unlike traditional checkups, RTM offers real-time insights that help providers make faster, better decisions, and it’s now reimbursable through specific billing codes.

RTM vs RPM: What’s the Difference?

While both use remote tools, here’s how they differ:

Feature	RTM	RPM
Data Type	Non-physiological (pain, mood, adherence)	Physiological (heart rate, BP, oxygen)
Common Users	Therapists, psychiatrists, nurses	Physicians, specialists
Devices Used	Apps, software, wearables	FDA-approved medical devices

Types of RTM

1. Continuous Monitoring
Uses wearables or sensors to collect data 24/7—for chronic conditions like diabetes or COPD.

2. Intermittent Monitoring
Relies on patient-reported data like symptom logs or digital check-ins.

3. Proactive Monitoring
Uses AI and alerts to catch issues early, especially in high-risk patients.

RTM Billing Made Simple

RTM services are covered by Medicare and private payers (in many cases), and they can be billed using specific CPT codes:

Code	Use	Frequency
98975	Setup and education	Once per episode
98976	Device supply for respiratory system monitoring	Monthly
98977	Device supply for musculoskeletal system	Monthly
98980	First 20 mins of remote treatment management + interaction	Monthly
98981	Additional 20 minutes of treatment management	Monthly

Key requirements:

⚫ At least 16 days of monitoring data per 30-day cycle

⚫ Document patient consent and time spent

⚫ Maintain compliance and accurate coding

Benefits of RTM

For Patients:

⚫ Better Engagement: Tracking pain or habits keeps patients involved in their care.

⚫ Lower Costs: Fewer visits mean less time off work and lower expenses.

⚫ Improved Access: Rural and underserved patients can receive consistent, high-quality care from home.

For Providers:

⚫ Stronger Decision-Making: More real-time data helps tailor treatment plans.

⚫ Staff Efficiency: RTM reduces the need for frequent appointments, easing the burden on understaffed teams.

⚫ Stronger Relationships: Regular updates create more trust and connection between providers and patients.

RTM in Psychiatry

RTM is especially valuable in mental health, where tracking day-to-day changes is critical.

How It’s Used:

⚫ Medication Tracking – See if patients are sticking to their prescriptions

⚫ Mood Monitoring – Daily check-ins help detect changes early

⚫ Therapy Support – Apps can track CBT participation and engagement

⚫ Post-Crisis Monitoring – Keep tabs after hospitalization or medication changes

Why It Matters:

⚫ Allows early intervention before relapse

⚫ Supports value-based care with measurable outcomes

⚫ Helps providers build a complete picture of the patient’s mental wellness

Example:
A psychiatrist monitoring a patient with depression can receive daily mood scores.
If the scores drop consistently, they can proactively reach out before the patient deteriorates.

How to Get Started with RTM

Implementing RTM involves:

⚫ Choosing the right software or app

⚫ Training staff and onboarding patients

⚫ Setting up proper documentation and billing workflows

At Medical Office Force, we help you simplify this process, from tech setup to billing support, so you can focus on delivering quality care.

How Medical Office Force Can Help You Launch RTM

Implementing RTM doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Medical Office Force offers complete support for healthcare providers looking to start or scale their RTM programs.

Here’s how we help:

⚫ End-to-End RTM Setup

We guide you through the selection of RTM tools and platforms, integration into your workflow, and provider training.

⚫ Coding and Billing Expertise

Our RCM team ensures you’re using the correct CPT codes, following CMS guidelines, and maximizing reimbursements.

⚫ Documentation and Compliance Support

We help document patient consent, track interaction time, and generate clean audit-ready notes.

⚫ Scalable Solutions

Whether you’re a solo provider or part of a multi-location group, we tailor solutions that grow with your practice.

⚫ Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Focus

We support mental health professionals with RTM workflows specifically designed for tracking therapy adherence, mood fluctuations, and engagement.

⚫ Real-Time Reporting

Receive custom dashboards and updates to track patient outcomes, engagement, and financial performance.

Conclusion

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring is the future of connected healthcare. It empowers providers to deliver better care, helps patients take control of their health, and opens new doors for billing and reimbursement. From psychiatry to physical therapy, RTM is a game-changer for modern practices.

If you’re ready to take advantage of RTM but unsure where to start—Medical Office Force is here for you. We simplify the process, handle the technical and billing side, and let you focus on what you do best: caring for patients.

📞 Get Started Today
Visit www.medicalofficeforce.com or contact us to learn how we can help you implement RTM and transform your patient care approach.