Deep Dive into CPT Code 98985: The Flexible Short-Period Device Supply for RTM in Physical Therapy

The 2026 CPT updates usher in greater accessibility for Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM), and CPT code 98985 is the new cornerstone for musculoskeletal (MSK) monitoring during abbreviated episodes. This supply code reimburses the provision of digital devices for 2-15 days of data transmission in a 30-day period, covering therapy adherence, response, and digital interventions. Tailored for PTs managing acute injuries or transitional care, 98985 eliminates the rigid 16-day barrier of 98977, enabling billing for real-world shorter engagements. Effective January 1, 2026, it promotes hybrid MSK models without full-month commitments. Let’s explore its intricacies for compliant, revenue-boosting implementation.

What Exactly is CPT Code 98985?

Per AMA’s 2026 CPT: Remote therapeutic monitoring (e.g., therapy adherence, therapy response, digital therapeutic intervention); device(s) supply for data access or data transmissions to support monitoring of musculoskeletal system, 2-15 days in a 30-day period.

A “supply-only” code, it funds FDA-cleared SaMD (e.g., apps logging HEP completions, pain scales) for non-physiologic MSK data. No clinician time billed—focus on device “rental” and automated flows. For PTs, it captures video HEP views or self-reports in post-op or flare-up scenarios.

Billing Requirements: The Low-Barrier 2-15 Day Window

98985 prioritizes flexibility under CMS:

• 2-15 Days of Data in 30 Days: At least 2 unique transmission days (up to 15); scheduled/programmed (e.g., daily auto-syncs). No 16-day min—bill for partial months.
• Once Per 30-Day Period: Per patient/provider; rolling or calendar.
• MSK-Focused: Musculoskeletal only; complements respiratory (98984) or cognitive if added.
• FDA Device: SaMD qualifying; patient phones/apps integrate.
• No Overlaps: Not with 98977 same period; transition seamlessly.
• Post-Setup: Follows 98975; no standalone physiologic.

Patient consent/education via 98975; data automated.

Documentation: Proving Brief but Billable Monitoring

Audits focus on thresholds—document supply and flow:

• Device Info: Name (e.g., “MovementRx app”), FDA compliance, supply date.
• Transmission Dates: Exact 2-15 days (e.g., “Days 4-12: 9 days; adherence + pain logs”).
• Necessity: ICD-10 link (e.g., M17.0 knee OA) and short rationale (e.g., “Post-flare monitoring”).
• Features: Alerts/reminders for transmissions.

Tip: Always-on apps passively hit 2+ days—no login hurdles ensure compliance.

Reimbursement Rates in 2026

Proposed non-facility national average: Carrier-priced (variable; ~$30-40 based on peers like 98977 at $43). RUC suggested low RVU; check final PFS November 2025 via Look-Up Tool—scalable for volume.

Real-World PT Scenarios: Capturing Short Bursts

Scenario 1: Acute Sprain Transition Ankle patient post-twist: App assigns HEPs, syncs 10 days passively. Bill 98985 end-of-period—revenue for interim data guiding return visits.

Scenario 2: Prehab Prep Pre-hip patient logs 8 days pre-op. Auto-transmissions trigger alerts. Bill; bridges to full RTM if surgery delays.

Scenario 3: Dropout Dodge Patient engages sporadically—3 days data. Still billable! Tip: MovementRx’s persistent sync captures opens/pings for effortless 2+.

Pitfall Example: 1 day only—no bill. Or 16+—switch to 98977 for higher value.

Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips

• Under 2 Days: No transmissions = denial. Auto-prompts fix.
• Miscoding Length: 16+ days? Use 98977.
• Docs Gaps: List days explicitly.
• Tip: Pair with 98979 for $60+ stacks in brief months. No auxiliaries reduction; ideal for 70% acute PT.

Why Embrace 98985? Broadening RTM Reach

This code unlocks RTM for intermittent MSK care, boosting adherence 50%+ in short windows and 15-30% clinic revenue via accessible episodes.

Gear up for flexible billing? MovementRx auto-captures 2-15 days passively—docs ready. Free demo at mymovementrx.com for 2026 dominance.

For official 2026 guidance on Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) and short-period billing codes, review the AMA CPT® Code Set for the definition of CPT 98985 and related updates. The CMS Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool provides current reimbursement rates by region, while the CMS RTM Fact Sheet details official coverage rules for digital monitoring. The American Physical Therapy Association’s RTM Resource Hub offers implementation guidance specific to PTs. For clinical evidence showing the benefits of short-duration monitoring, explore PubMed research validating RTM’s role in musculoskeletal care and patient adherence.

Building a complete RTM billing strategy? Continue the series: CPT 98977 – Device Supply for ≥16 Days, CPT 98979 – 10-Minute RTM Management, CPT 98980 – 20-Minute Treatment Management, and CPT 98981 – Extended RTM Oversight. These codes together define your full hybrid-care revenue system for 2026.

What is CPT code 98985 and what does it cover?

CPT code 98985 is a supply-only code introduced in 2026 that reimburses for the provision of FDA-cleared digital devices supporting remote monitoring of the musculoskeletal system for 2 to 15 days within a 30-day period, focusing on non-physiologic data such as therapy adherence and response.

How does CPT code 98985 differ from previous codes like 98977?

Unlike CPT code 98977, which required a minimum of 16 days, 98985 allows billing for shorter episodes of 2 to 15 days, offering greater flexibility and enabling billing for brief, real-world interventions in musculoskeletal care.

What are the billing requirements for using CPT code 98985?

Billing for CPT 98985 requires demonstrating 2 to 15 transmission days within a 30-day period, with at least two unique days of data, and it must be used only once per 30-day period, focusing exclusively on musculoskeletal data with a FDA-cleared device.

What documentation is necessary to support billing CPT 98985?

Documentation should include the device name and FDA compliance, exact transmission dates showing 2 to 15 days of data, the ICD-10 code indicating the clinical reason, and features like alerts or reminders to ensure proof of monitored brief episodes.

What are the potential benefits of adopting CPT 98985 in practice?

The use of CPT 98985 broadens access to remote therapeutic monitoring, increases adherence through shorter monitoring windows, and can boost clinic revenue by capturing brief episodes of musculoskeletal care without full-month commitments.