November 4, 2025
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring for Physical Therapists: A 2025 Guide
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring for physical therapists is transforming how physical therapists deliver care, track progress, and bill for digital services. Yet many PTs still struggle to understand how to implement it — and how to get paid for it.
At Movement RX, we specialize in helping physical therapy clinics implement RTM quickly, compliantly, and profitably. This guide breaks down what RTM means for physical therapists, the 2025 CPT code updates, and how to integrate remote monitoring into your clinic workflow with ease.
Whether you’re managing post-op patients or chronic musculoskeletal cases, RTM allows you to extend care beyond the clinic walls — without adding extra work to your day.
What Is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)?
RTM is a set of CPT codes that allow physical therapists and other qualified professionals to be reimbursed for monitoring patients’ progress remotely using digital devices or apps.
Unlike Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM), which tracks vital signs like heart rate or oxygen saturation, RTM focuses on musculoskeletal and neuromuscular therapy data — metrics that matter most to PTs.
Through Movement RX’s RTM platform, therapists can track adherence, pain scores, range of motion, and exercise compliance in real time, improving both outcomes and reimbursement rates.
CPT Codes for Remote Therapeutic Monitoring in Physical Therapy
| Code | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 98975 | Initial setup and patient education | When you start RTM for a new patient |
| 98976 / 98977 | Device supply (16+ days of data) | Standard monthly RTM device billing |
| 98980 | First 20 minutes of therapist management per month | Monitoring and adjusting care |
| 98981 | Each additional 20 minutes | Extra care coordination time |
| 98985 | Device supply for short-term monitoring (2–15 days) | New in 2026 — for acute or transitional care |
💡 Pro tip: CPT 98985 eliminates the 16-day requirement, letting PTs bill for short-term monitoring — ideal for acute injuries and post-op follow-ups.
How RTM Works for Physical Therapists
Enroll the Patient: Invite them through the Movement RX App.
Provide a Home Exercise Program: Automatically tracked via sensors or self-reports.
Monitor Progress: Review adherence, pain, and motion trends in your dashboard.
Adjust the Plan: Modify care when data changes — in real time.
Bill for Time and Device Supply: Log RTM time and submit codes via your EHR.
Benefits of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring for Physical Therapists
💰 Increased Revenue: Bill for patient engagement time you’re already doing.
💪 Better Adherence: Real-time feedback motivates patients to stay consistent.
📊 Improved Outcomes: Objective data enables better progress tracking.
🧾 Streamlined Billing: Automated CPT tracking via Movement RX’s compliance tools.
🩹 Continuity of Care: Seamless connection between in-clinic and home care.
🧠 Educational Edge: Keep up with the latest RTM rules via our blog.
How Movement RX Makes RTM Easy
Movement RX was built by physical therapists for physical therapists.
✅ Device & Data Management: FDA-registered digital devices and secure dashboards.
✅ Billing Compliance: Automatic CPT 98975–98985 time tracking.
✅ Patient Engagement: Push notifications and reminders to maintain adherence.
✅ Clinical Dashboard: At-a-glance summaries for busy PTs and clinic owners.
Learn more about our flat-rate RTM plans or schedule a free implementation call.
Example RTM Billing Scenario
A physical therapist treats a post-surgical knee patient:
Initial setup → 98975
Device supply → 98977
20 minutes management → 98980
Additional follow-up → 98981
💰 Outcome: Over $100 in reimbursable RTM revenue per month — for patient contact you already provide.
You can compare payer rates via CMS’s Physician Fee Schedule.
Partner with Movement RX to Implement RTM
We partner with PT owners and rehab directors to launch RTM programs within 30 days.
Full training and onboarding
Seamless billing integration
Patient engagement support
👉 Book Your Free Demo
👉 Read Success Stories from PT Clinics
For broader professional context, see the APTA’s guidance on digital health and our 2025 CPT update breakdown.
FAQs About Remote Therapeutic Monitoring for Physical Therapists
Q: Do I need special equipment to start RTM?
A: No — Movement RX provides digital devices and secure app access.
Q: Can assistants help manage RTM?
A: Yes, PTAs can assist under supervision per CMS supervision guidelines.
Q: Is RTM covered by Medicare and commercial plans?
A: Yes, most payers now recognize CPT 98975–98985 for qualified providers.
Q: How long does setup take?
A: Clinics typically launch within 30 days — see our Implementation Timeline.
Get Started with Movement RX
Ready to elevate your clinic’s care and reimbursement?
📅 Schedule Your Free RTM Demo
Empower your clinic with digital care that drives better outcomes and new revenue.