Deep Dive into CPT Code 98979: The Efficient Entry for Brief RTM Management in Physical Therapy

2026’s RTM evolution continues with CPT code 98979, the new time-based code for the first 10 minutes of monthly management with one real-time interaction. Covering data review, alerts, and HEP tweaks for MSK adherence/response, it lowers the 98980 threshold from 20 minutes—perfect for PTs in high-volume or low-needs scenarios. No data-day minimums make it ultra-flexible for hybrid care. Launching January 1, 2026, 98979 ensures every quick check-in pays. Master it for denial-proof scaling.

What Exactly is CPT Code 98979?

AMA 2026: Remote therapeutic monitoring treatment management services, physician or other qualified health care professional time in a calendar month requiring at least 1 real-time interactive communication with the patient or caregiver during the calendar month; first 10 minutes.

Professional service reimbursing QHPs (PTs) for 10-19 minutes cumulative: Dashboard analysis, plan mods, sync engagements. Ties to non-physiologic MSK data; stacks post-supply codes.

Billing Requirements: Micro-Time Thresholds

98979 streamlines:

• 10-19 Minutes Total: Full 10 min min (9 = no); includes reviews + interactions.
• One Real-Time Interaction: Synchronous (video/phone); HIPAA.
• Pairs Freely: With 98985/98977; no data mins.
• Monthly Once: One unit; escalate to 98980 at 20+.
• Supervision: General; GP modifier; CQ if PTA-dominant (15% cut).
• No Duplicates: One provider; not RPM.

Aggregate across sessions; calendar month.

Documentation: Timing Brief Engagements

Precision for audits:

• Time Log: “13 min: 8 dashboard (75% adherence), 5 video nudge.”
• Interaction: Date/type (e.g., “App video: HEP form check”).
• Decisions: “Reduced reps; alert cleared.”
• Necessity: POC (e.g., “Brief oversight post-strain”).
• Under 20 Note: Distinguish from 98980.

Tip: In-app timers/video auto-document.

Reimbursement Rates in 2026

Proposed national: ~$25-30 (lower RVU than 98980’s $50; carrier-influenced). Final PFS for locals—quick-win additive.

Real-World PT Scenarios: Bite-Sized Billing

Scenario 1: Weekly Pulse Shoulder patient: 7 min trends + 6-min call. 13 min total. Bill 98979—$26 for adherence boost.

Scenario 2: Alert Response Back flare: 9 min review + 4-min phone. Total 13 min. Bill; averts escalation.

Scenario 3: Threshold Miss 8 min total—no bill. Tip: Bundle via predictive prompts to 10+.

Scenario 4: Aux Hybrid PTA 6 min; PT 5 min. 11 min—CQQ if needed.

Pitfall Example: Async only—denied; force live.

Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips

• Sub-10 Min: Bundle alerts.
• No Live: Emails fail.
• Overlap: 20+? 98980.
• Tip: Bills sparse data; suits 60% light MSK. Predictive tools justify micros.

Why Master 98979? RTM for Every Month

Enables 60%+ engagement in low-time cases, 15-25% revenue uplift paired with short supply.

Micro-management made easy? MovementRx tracks 10-min thresholds, prompts lives—auto-docs. Demo mymovementrx.com for 2026 efficiency.

For official guidance on Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) and new CPT code updates, review the AMA CPT® Code Set for 2026 definitions, including CPT 98979. The CMS Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool lists final reimbursement rates by region, while the CMS RTM Fact Sheet outlines billing parameters for remote care services. Clinicians can explore the American Physical Therapy Association’s RTM Overview to see how 98979 complements existing codes like 98977 and 98980. For emerging research on digital MSK care and RTM effectiveness, visit PubMed for NIH-backed studies demonstrating improved outcomes and adherence with hybrid monitoring tools.