.jpg "Daniel Godla")
In 2026, there are some exciting changes for the Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) program! With new codes, lower thresholds, and increases to reimbursement rates, now's the time to grow or start your program! In this video, we'll review everything you need to know and the 2026 RTM CPT codes, so that you can properly code and bill for this program.
Be sure to download a reference guide for the RTM CPT codes.
The changes to RTM billing in 2026 should encourage more program utilization by allowing providers to grow their program with a lower operational risk.
Keep in mind that the codes are based on national averages, which may vary in your area. For the exact current rate based on your location, visit the Physician Fee Schedule website.
CPT codes for RTM are broken into two categories: device-based and time-based.
RTM Device-Based Codes
First is CPT Code 98975. This code is for the initial setup and patient education on equipment use. It is only billed once per episode of care. A patient must transmit a minimum of 2 days with readings from the provider supplied device in order to bill. The current national average reimbursement is about $22.
Next are the monthly codes for the device supply and data transmission specific to respiratory data, musculoskeletal data, and cognitive behavioral data. For 2026, there are new codes for 2 to 15 days of readings per month for each.
These new codes allow for more tailored monitoring for each patient based on their clinical needs and allows providers to be compensated for their services for less than 16 days with readings. Because of this, we recommend waiting until the end of the billing period to drop device reading codes. Be sure to document accordingly to justify the number of days of readings. Remember that only one of these device codes may be billed per 30 day period and If the patient has multiple devices, you can total the daily readings from those devices to reach the total monthly amount of daily readings.
RTM Respiratory Device-Based Codes
For the respiratory data codes, first is the new code, 98984 for 2 to 15 days of monthly monitoring of respiratory data from the provided device or devices. It has a national average reimbursement of $52.
Next is 98976 for 16 or more days of monthly monitoring of respiratory data from the provided device or devices. It also has a national average reimbursement of about $52, which is up over 9 dollars from last year.
RTM Musculoskeletal Device-Based Codes
For the musculoskeletal data codes, first is the new code 98985 for 2 to 15 days of monthly monitoring of musculoskeletal data from the provided device or devices. It has a national average reimbursement of $51.
Next is 98977 for 16 or more days of monthly monitoring of musculoskeletal data from the provided device or devices. It also has a national average reimbursement of about $51, which is up over 8 dollars from last year.
RTM Cognitive Behavioral Devive-Based Codes
And lastly, the cognitive behavioral data code, 98978 for 16 or more days of monthly monitoring of cognitive behavioral therapy data from the provided device or devices. The reimbursement rate varies by location, so make sure to check the Physician Fee Schedule for your location’s reimbursement rate.
RTM Time-Based Codes
For the time-based codes, the first is another new code: 98979 for at least 10 minutes of RTM treatment management by a physician or qualified healthcare professional in a calendar month. This includes at least one interactive communication with the patient and caregiver. It has a current national average reimbursement of $26.
Next is CPT code 98980 for 20 minutes of RTM treatment management by a physician or qualified healthcare professional in a calendar month. This includes at least one interactive communication with the patient and caregiver. The current national average reimbursement is $54, which is up over 4 dollars from last year..
Finally, the add-on code 98981 for 20 additional minutes RTM treatment. 99481 can be billed an unlimited amount of times per calendar month in 20 minute increments, such as so at 40, 60, and 80 plus minutes. The current national average reimbursement is $41.
You can not bill the 10 minute CPT code 99979 with the 20 minute CPT code 98980 in the same calendar month. So, you can not bill the two codes when a patient logs 30 minutes of RTM time. Once you hit the 20 minute threshold, bill code 99980 and then you must provide another 20 minutes to bill for code 99881. There is not an add on code for 10 minute code 98979. Again, make sure to document accordingly to justify the time spent on services.
With the reimbursement increases this year, as well as the expanded code set, now is a great time to grow your RTM program and offer this valuable service to more patients! If you need help in starting or growing your RTM program, reach out to us at ThoroughCare and we can help.
