Pioneers in Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) Software for Physical Therapists

September 28, 2023

The healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving, with a significant shift towards virtual services. One such
advancement that has garnered attention in the physical therapy domain is Remote Therapeutic
Monitoring (RTM). As the 2023 updated Medicare rules from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS) expand RTM treatment options, clinics are exploring ways to integrate this service.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to rolling out RTM in your clinic:

  1. Collect Info from Your Staff and Patients: Before diving into RTM, gather insights from your team.
    Understand their needs, potential challenges, and the criteria that would make RTM implementation
    smooth. Additionally, research your patients' needs. Identify common concerns, feedback, and areas
    where RTM can bridge gaps in care.
  2. Ensure User-Friendliness: The RTM platform or app you choose should be intuitive and easy for both
    therapists and patients to navigate. A user-friendly interface ensures consistent usage and minimizes
    potential friction.
  3. Cater to Multilingual Patients: If your patient demographic includes non-English speakers, consider
    RTM solutions that offer multilingual support. This inclusivity ensures that all patients can benefit from
    RTM services.
  4. Decide on Special Devices: Evaluate whether you want to use specific wearable devices for RTM or
    leverage existing smartphones and smartwatches. While specialized devices might offer more precise
    data, they might also come with additional costs and logistical challenges.
  5. Ensure Transparency: Opt for RTM software that provides comprehensive documentation tools.
    Patients should be able to access a clear record of interactions, ensuring transparency and trust.
  6. Integrate with Your Billing System: RTM introduces a new revenue stream. Analyze your current
    billing model and determine how RTM fits into it. Consult with your billing company to devise the best
    strategy and ensure compliance with insurance requirements.
  7. Market Your New RTM Services: Once RTM is in place, promote it. Inform your existing patients
    about the benefits and convenience of RTM. Use various marketing channels to reach potential new
    patients and highlight RTM as a unique selling point for your clinic.

A Real-world RTM Implementation Experience: Brad Saunders, a Practice Manager, shared his journey
of implementing RTM across ten practice locations. After beta testing three companies for RTM, he
settled on a solution that best fit his practice's needs. He emphasized the importance of ease of access
for therapists to prevent overburdening. Brad's approach involved hiring a remote licensed clinician to
support RTM service calls, ensuring patient compliance. His experience underscores the potential of
RTM to enhance patient care, boost clinic revenue, and foster practice growth.

Conclusion: Remote Therapeutic Monitoring is more than just a trend; it's a transformative approach to
physical therapy. By strategically implementing RTM, clinics can offer enhanced care, foster patient
engagement, and tap into a lucrative revenue stream.

Reference: Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) on GetBreakthrough