🩺 Understanding RTM CPT Code 98975: A Physical Therapist’s Guide to Remote Therapeutic Monitoring

🧭 Introduction: Why RTM CPT 98975Codes Matter in Modern Physical Therapy

As physical therapy continues to evolve beyond the clinic, Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) has become an essential part of patient care.
The CPT Code 98975 represents the initial setup and patient education required to begin a remote monitoring episode — the foundation for compliant RTM billing and patient engagement.

If you’re a physical therapist or clinic owner looking to streamline billing and improve outcomes, understanding CPT 98975 is your first step toward mastering RTM compliance.

🧩 What Is RTM CPT Code 98975?

CPT 98975 is one of several codes introduced by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) in 2022 to recognize remote therapeutic monitoring services.

📘 Code Definition:

CPT 98975 — “Remote therapeutic monitoring (e.g., musculoskeletal system status, respiratory system status), initial setup and patient education on use of equipment.”

In simple terms:
This code covers the first encounter where you:

• Set up a patient’s remote monitoring device or app
• Train the patient on how to use it
• Document that the setup occurred

🧠 When Should You Use CPT 98975?

You can bill 98975 when:

• You initiate RTM for a patient (musculoskeletal or respiratory)
• You provide education and guidance on using the RTM platform
• The session includes documentation confirming setup and training

Billing Tip:
✅ CPT 98975 can only be billed once per episode of care per patient.

💵 How Much Can You Bill for CPT 98975?

Reimbursement varies by region, but the national average rate for CPT 98975 is typically $18–$25.

📈 Pro Tip: Combine 98975 with 98977 and 98980 for continuous monitoring and interaction to increase monthly revenue per patient.

🧮 RTM CPT Code Family Overview

🏥 Documentation Requirements for CPT 98975

To remain compliant:

1. Document setup: Device or app name, setup date, patient ID
2. Record education: Training method (in-person, telehealth)
3. Include proof of patient understanding

Movement RX recommends building a template for RTM onboarding to streamline these steps.

🔗 Example Workflow for Physical Therapists

1. Enroll Patient: Confirm medical necessity and consent
2. Setup Device: Provide app or wearable (e.g., Movement RX platform)
3. Educate: Show patient how to log exercises and report progress
4. Document Setup: Add note in EMR with timestamp and signature
5. Bill CPT 98975 at the end of the session

💡 Best Practices for Maximizing RTM Reimbursement

• Start Small: Pilot RTM with 10–20 patients to refine your workflow
• Automate Data Collection: Use digital tools that sync automatically (e.g., Movement RX dashboard)
• Track Compliance: CMS requires at least 16 days of data per 30 days for billing codes 98977–98981
• Integrate EMR Notes: Streamline billing documentation

🧰 Tools to Simplify RTM Implementation

Platforms like Movement RX help you:

• Automate RTM code tracking (98975–98981)
• Generate compliance reports
• Document patient interactions
• Streamline billing submissions

📞 CTA:

Schedule a free demo with Movement RX to see how easy RTM tracking can be.

🧾 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I bill CPT 98975 and 98977 in the same month?
✅ Yes — 98975 covers setup, and 98977 covers monthly device supply. They can be billed together when criteria are met.

Q2: Does 98975 require 16 days of data?
❌ No — that requirement applies only to 98977, 98978, 98980, and 98981.

Q3: Who can bill RTM codes?
Physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and some physician assistants — depending on payer policy.

Q4: Can RTM codes be billed for non-Medicare patients?
✅ Yes — most commercial payers are now adopting RTM coverage.

🏁 Conclusion

CPT 98975 is more than just a billing code — it’s the gateway to modern, hybrid physical therapy.
By implementing RTM correctly, you can:

• Improve patient adherence
• Generate recurring revenue
• Strengthen your clinic’s compliance and efficiency

🎯 Movement RX makes it easy to launch and manage your RTM program with built-in CPT tracking, patient education tools, and reimbursement reports.

👉 Schedule your free Movement RX demo today and start billing smarter.

For more details from CMS click here.