RTM vs RPM: Understanding the Key Differences

Understanding the differences between remote patient monitoring (RPM) and remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) is critical when considering remote care models. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of RPM vs. RTM. We delve into the technologies each employs, the types of data collected, billing procedures, and the specific supervision and billing rules that apply. This overview will help you make informed decisions on which approach to leverage to expand access to care and create new revenue streams while remaining compliant with billing regulations.

What Is Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)?

To understand the differences between RPM and RTM, we must first explore what remote patient monitoring entails. RPM focuses on the collection and monitoring of physiological data, enabling healthcare professionals to track vital signs outside of traditional healthcare settings. RPM can only be used by physicians, mid-level providers, and healthcare professionals that are able to bill E/M services.

Healthcare providers equip patients with remote patient monitoring devices that meet the FDA definition of a medical device. These devices measure physiological data such as heart rate, glucose levels, oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and weight. When a patient takes a measurement, the data is instantly sent to their provider, who can then view it in their RPM dashboard.

What Is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)?

In contrast to RPM, remote therapeutic monitoring focuses on non-physiological patient data. RTM can be used by physicians as well as qualified healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, or speech-language pathologists. RTM is used to monitor exercise adherence, functional status, therapy response, and musculoskeletal and respiratory activity, such as in patients with asthma.

Patients use RTM devices to collect data related to their musculoskeletal and respiratory system status and therapy adherence. Unlike RPM, the data collected through RTM is self-reported and communicated to the physician, often using devices like remote peak flow meters and spirometers.

RPM vs. RTM Billing Codes

Implementing remote patient and therapeutic monitoring can open up new revenue streams for healthcare providers. However, specific regulations govern the billing codes that can be used, and providers cannot double bill for both RTM and RPM services. They can be combined with other types of monitoring codes such as CCM or PCM.

RPM Billing Codes

RPM CPT codes cover device setup, data collection, interpretation, and processing of remote physiological data. The RPM CPT codes, descriptions, payment rates, and billing frequencies are as follows:

CPT Code 99453

Covers device setup and patient education for vital sign monitoring equipment. Billed once after the initial 16 days of monitoring, with an average payment rate of $19.65.

CPT Code 99454

Covers the supply of devices for daily recording or programmed alert transmissions, billable every 30 days if used for at least 16 days per month. The average payment rate is $46.50.

CPT Code 99457

Covers the initial 20 minutes of treatment management, requiring interactive remote communication with the patient. The average payment rate is $48.14.

CPT Code 99458

Covers each additional 20 minutes of RPM services per month, with a maximum of 60 minutes. The average payment rate is $48.14.

CPT Code 99091

Covers a minimum of 30 minutes per month for data gathering, interpretation, and patient communication. The average payment rate is $52.71.

RTM Billing Codes

In 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced five RTM billing codes to facilitate billing for physical, occupational, and speech-language pathologists. The 2024 RTM CPT codes, descriptions, payment rates, and billing frequencies are as follows:

CPT Code 98975

Covers initial setup and patient education on equipment usage, billable once after collecting 16 days of data. The average payment rate is $19.65.

CPT Code 98976

Covers respiratory device supplies with daily recordings and programmed alerts, billable every 30 days after 16 days of data collection. The average payment rate is $46.83.

CPT Code 98977

Covers musculoskeletal device supplies with daily recordings and programmed alerts, billable once after 16 days of data collection. The average payment rate is $46.83.

CPT Code 98980

Covers the initial 20 minutes of treatment time per month, including at least one interactive communication with the patient. The average payment rate is $49.78.

CPT Code 98981

Covers each additional 20 minutes of treatment time per month. The average payment rate is $39.30.

Understanding RTM vs. RPM

Remote patient monitoring and remote therapeutic monitoring are distinct models of remote care, each with unique focuses and benefits. RPM collects and monitors physiological data using FDA-cleared devices, while RTM gathers non-physiological, self-reported data on medication adherence and therapy response. RTM still requires a device that meets the FDA definition of a medical device.

To successfully implement a remote care program, providers must understand the differences between RPM and RTM, including the types of devices used, the data collected, and the billing protocols. By considering these distinctions, providers can make informed decisions that expand access to care, improve patient outcomes, and maximize revenue.

Want to Explore RTM Further?

Our Remote Therapeutic Monitoring Solution is integrated directly into MedBridge Pathways, allowing you to digitally assign programs, monitor patient progress, communicate with patients, and accurately track for efficient RTM billing. MedBridge Pathways acts as an extension of your staff, allowing providers to easily assign self-managed, evidence-based, clinical programs, and digitally triage patients with tools like motion capture.

For more information on RTM usage and billing refer to the APTA’s practice advisory on RTM.