Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the final rule for its new Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) codes, which are technically known as “Remote Therapeutic Monitoring/Treatment Management.” The new RTM codes went into effect last January 1, 2022.
These new RTM codes, together with the existing Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) codes, represent one of the most significant breakthroughs in digital health reimbursement. To go deeper into this topic, we’ll answer the RTM FAQs to reflect the updated CMS policies outlined in the 2022 Final Rule.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about them!
FAQ: What exactly are RTM codes, and how do they differ from other kinds of codes?
After being formed by the CPT Editorial Panel in October 2020, RTM was authorized by the RVS Update Committee (RUC) in January 2021. The RTM family includes three PE-specific codes and two professional job codes. RTM codes are now available for purchase.
CPT# 98975
Remote therapeutic monitoring involving the initial setup and patient teaching on how to use the equipment.
CPT# 98976
Remote therapeutic monitoring with scheduled (e.g., daily) recording(s) and/or alert(s) transmission for respiratory system monitoring every 30 days.
CPT# 98977
Remote therapeutic monitoring (e.g. daily) recording(s) and/or preset alert(s) transmission(s) to monitor musculoskeletal system every 30 days.
CPT# 98980
Every calendar month, a physician or other competent health care practitioner must interact with the patient/caregiver.
CPT #98981
Each calendar month, a physician or other trained health care practitioner must interact with at least one patient/caregiver; each additional 20 minutes counts as one.
RTM services, like RPM services, are ad hoc. While there are some parallels between the two sets of code descriptors, there are also some differences.
FAQ: Is RTM capable of processing non-physiological data?
The short answer to this question would be: Yes. RTM is designed to be used in conjunction with non-physiological data collection technology to manage patients. The new RTM codes allow for the tracking of features such as therapy/medication adherence, response, and pain intensity. Furthermore, “therapeutic” data, as opposed to “physiologic” data, is provided in these codes. RPM codes, on the other hand, are only useful for tracking physiological data (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels).
In comparison to RPM codes, RTM codes provide a greater range of patient care applications and use cases. The code descriptors’ list of RTM health conditions is not exhaustive (thus the usage of the qualifier “e.g.”). The word “(medication)” is included in the proposed PFS rule by CMS, although it is not included in the CPT code descriptions. CMS did not specify from which American Medical Association (AMA) or RUC texts they derived the term “medicine” for their PFS comments.
Conclusion
As predicted, the medical industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. With the technological advancements and innovations we see today, it’s only natural to adapt and continuously learn the new developments we can all benefit from. One of the ways we can fully achieve this is to learn about the most updated rules on Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM). As we learn more, we will also become more knowledgeable about the treatments that are made available to us.
For the best care management solutions, Medistics Heath offers remote monitoring and patient care that tackles all types of physical, chronic, and behavioral health conditions. With our humanized and simplified healthcare approach, you’ll be worry-free! Schedule a FREE consultation with us today!