Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is rapidly gaining adoption across the healthcare industry, and 2026 marks a pivotal year for providers seeking to expand remote care while optimizing reimbursement accuracy. With the introduction and refinement of CPT codes 98979, 98984, and 98985, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has established a clearer and more flexible billing framework for RTM services, particularly for musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the new RTM CPT codes for 2026, explaining how they work, who is eligible to bill them, and what providers must do to remain compliant. By understanding these updates, healthcare organizations can confidently integrate RTM into their clinical workflows, strengthen their remote patient monitoring programs, and align RTM services with a sustainable revenue strategy.

What Is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)?

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) allows healthcare providers to collect, transmit, and review non-physiologic patient data related to therapy adherence and treatment response using qualifying medical devices. Unlike Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), which focuses on physiologic metrics such as heart rate or blood pressure, RTM is condition-specific and designed to support therapeutic interventions.

Currently, RTM applies to the following condition categories:

• Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions
• Respiratory conditions

Common examples of RTM data include:

• Therapy adherence and activity tracking
• Range-of-motion and movement data
• Inhaler usage and respiratory pattern insights

From both a clinical and financial perspective, RTM enables continuous care management without the need for frequent in-office visits. This makes it particularly valuable for physical therapy, pulmonology, chiropractic care, and primary care practices seeking to improve patient outcomes while expanding access to reimbursable remote care services.

Why CMS Introduced New RTM Codes in 2026

CMS expanded Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) coding to address gaps in earlier reimbursement models, particularly challenges related to patient engagement thresholds and data consistency. As RTM adoption increased, providers often faced revenue limitations when patients did not meet higher data submission requirements, despite meaningful clinical engagement.

The introduction of CPT codes 98984 and 98985 in 2026 is designed to:

• Better align RTM reimbursement with real-world clinical usage
• Minimize revenue loss when patients fall short of higher data thresholds
• Support broader RTM adoption across multiple medical specialties

Together, these updates reinforce CMS’s position that Remote Therapeutic Monitoring is a long-term pillar of value-based care rather than a short-term reimbursement initiative. By refining RTM billing flexibility, CMS signals continued investment in scalable, outcomes-driven remote care models.

CPT 98979 Explained: First 10 Minutes of RTM Clinical Monitoring

CPT 98979 reimburses providers for the first 10 minutes per calendar month spent on Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) clinical monitoring and management services. This code captures the clinical work involved in evaluating RTM data and using those insights to guide patient care.

What Counts as RTM Clinical Monitoring?

RTM clinical monitoring activities eligible under CPT 98979 include:

• Reviewing and interpreting RTM data
• Assessing therapy adherence and patient progress
• Adjusting treatment plans based on data trends
• Making clinical decisions related to RTM services

Important: CPT 98979 is time-based, not data-based. Reimbursement depends on documented clinical time rather than the volume of data collected.

Key Billing Requirements for CPT 98979

To bill CPT 98979 correctly, providers must meet the following requirements:

• Billable once per calendar month
• Requires documented clinical work
• Services may be performed by the billing provider or qualified clinical staff under appropriate supervision
• Must be billed in conjunction with active RTM services

CPT 98979 often serves as the clinical management foundation of an RTM program, complementing RTM data collection and engagement codes such as CPT 98984 and CPT 98985.

CPT 98984 vs CPT 98985: RTM Data Collection Codes Explained

One of the most impactful Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) updates for 2026 is the introduction of tiered data collection CPT codes, which better reflect varying levels of patient engagement and real-world device usage.

CPT 98984: RTM Data Collection for 2–15 Days

CPT 98984 reimburses RTM data transmission when patients engage for 2 to 15 days per calendar month. Key requirements include:

• Applicable to musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions
• Requires use of a qualifying RTM medical device
• Billed once per calendar month
• Designed to support partial but clinically meaningful patient participation

CPT 98985: RTM Data Collection for 16 or More Days

CPT 98985 covers RTM data transmission for patients who engage for 16 or more days per calendar month. This code:

• Shares the same condition and device requirements as CPT 98984
• Reflects higher patient engagement and data consistency
• Supports full participation in structured RTM programs

Why Tiered RTM CPT Codes Matter

Before these updates, providers risked losing reimbursement when patients fell short of higher data thresholds, even when care remained clinically relevant. CPT 98984 ensures that partial RTM participation remains billable, improving revenue stability while allowing greater flexibility for patients. Together, CPT 98984 and CPT 98985 create a more balanced and sustainable RTM reimbursement model.

RTM Billing and Documentation Requirements in 2026

Accurate and thorough documentation is essential for Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) reimbursement and long-term audit protection. Clear records not only support medical necessity but also demonstrate compliance with CMS and payer-specific billing requirements.

Required Documentation Elements for RTM

To support RTM claims, providers must document the following:

• Medical necessity for RTM services
• An RTM-eligible diagnosis, including musculoskeletal (MSK) or respiratory conditions
• Patient consent for RTM participation
• Device type and confirmation of patient usage
• Number of days RTM data was collected during the billing period
• Clinical monitoring time, when billing CPT 98979

Best Practices for RTM Compliance

To reduce audit risk and ensure consistent reimbursement, providers should:

• Maintain monthly RTM summaries that clearly outline services performed
• Clearly separate RTM data collection from clinical monitoring time in documentation
• Avoid repetitive or templated notes across billing periods, which may raise audit concerns

While Medicare offers baseline RTM guidance, commercial payers may apply additional or stricter requirements. For this reason, payer-specific verification remains a critical step in maintaining RTM compliance and reimbursement accuracy.

Who Can Bill RTM Codes 98979, 98984, and 98985?

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) CPT codes are available to a broader range of providers than Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM). However, eligibility still depends on scope of practice, state regulations, and payer-specific policies.

Commonly Eligible Provider Types for RTM

RTM services may be billed by the following provider types, subject to payer approval:

• Physicians
• Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs)
• Physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs)
• Chiropractors, depending on state scope-of-practice rules
• Pulmonology and primary care providers

Supervision Considerations for RTM Services

When delivering RTM services, providers should be aware of supervision requirements:

• Qualified clinical staff may assist with RTM services under appropriate supervision
• Incident-to billing rules may apply, depending on the care setting and payer guidelines

Because RTM billing rules can vary, providers should verify state regulations and payer-specific requirements before implementing RTM services. Confirming eligibility in advance helps prevent claim denials and supports compliant RTM program expansion.

RTM vs RPM in 2026: Key Differences Providers Should Know

Although often grouped together, Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) serve distinct clinical and billing purposes. Understanding these differences helps providers select the most appropriate remote care model for their practice.

Key Differences at a Glance

• RTM focuses on non-physiologic data, including therapy adherence and treatment response, and is limited to musculoskeletal (MSK) and respiratory conditions
• RPM captures physiologic data, such as blood pressure, glucose levels, and oxygen saturation
• RTM does not require real-time patient interaction, offering greater flexibility in care delivery
• RTM typically involves lower device and operational overhead compared to RPM programs

For many practices, RTM offers a lower-barrier entry point into reimbursable remote care, making it an attractive option for expanding services without the complexity of traditional RPM workflows.

Common RTM Billing Mistakes to Avoid in 2026

Even experienced practices can make preventable Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) billing errors that put both reimbursement and compliance at risk. Understanding these common pitfalls helps providers maintain accurate billing and reduce audit exposure.

Frequent RTM Errors Include:

• Billing RTM data collection CPT codes without meeting minimum day thresholds
• Confusing CPT 98979, which is time-based, with RTM data collection codes
• Failing to obtain or document patient consent
• Billing RTM services without clearly documented medical necessity
• Assuming Medicare RTM rules apply universally across all payers

Avoiding these mistakes protects RTM revenue, supports regulatory compliance, and helps ensure long-term program sustainability.

How Providers Should Prepare for RTM in 2026

To fully leverage the new Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) CPT codes in 2026, practices should take a proactive and structured approach to implementation. Early planning helps ensure compliance, streamline workflows, and maximize reimbursement opportunities.

Recommended Next Steps for RTM Success

1. Identify RTM-eligible patient populations, particularly those with musculoskeletal or respiratory conditions
2. Evaluate RTM devices and vendor capabilities to ensure compliance with CMS requirements
3. Train clinical and billing staff on new RTM CPT codes, including documentation and billing rules
4. Update clinical workflows to support accurate data tracking and compliant documentation
5. Monitor payer policy updates regularly to stay aligned with evolving reimbursement guidelines

Early preparation positions practices to optimize RTM reimbursement, strengthen care delivery efficiency, and improve patient outcomes in an increasingly remote-first healthcare environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About RTM Codes in 2026

How many days are required for CPT 98984?
CPT 98984 requires at least 2 days and up to 15 days of RTM data collected within a single calendar month.

Can CPT 98979 be billed on its own?
No. CPT 98979 must be billed in conjunction with active RTM services and cannot be submitted as a standalone code.

Does RTM require interactive patient communication?
No. RTM does not require real-time or interactive patient communication, which distinguishes it from other remote care models.

Are RTM codes covered by Medicare Advantage plans?
Coverage varies by Medicare Advantage plan and may differ from traditional Medicare. Providers should verify coverage and billing rules with each plan individually.

Final Thoughts: RTM Is a Strategic Opportunity in 2026

The expansion of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) CPT codes in 2026 highlights CMS’s long-term commitment to remote, value-based care models. With the introduction and refinement of CPT codes 98979, 98984, and 98985, providers now have greater flexibility to deliver meaningful therapeutic monitoring while ensuring appropriate reimbursement.

Practices that understand RTM billing rules, maintain accurate documentation, and align clinical and billing workflows early will gain a clear advantage, both clinically and financially, as remote care continues to evolve.

Grow RTM Revenue in 2026 With Confidence

The expansion of RTM CPT codes 98979, 98984, and 98985 creates a powerful opportunity to grow Remote Therapeutic Monitoring revenue in 2026. However, success depends on having workflows, documentation, and billing processes fully aligned with CMS guidelines and evolving commercial payer requirements.

Medviz Systems helps clinics become RTM-ready and audit-ready as 2026 approaches. We support long-term success by improving operational accuracy, reducing billing risk, and ensuring sustainable, recurring RTM revenue.

How Medviz Systems Supports RTM Success

We help providers:

• Reduce preventable RTM claim denials
• Improve coding accuracy for CPT codes 98979, 98984, and 98985
• Strengthen documentation for RTM data days, clinical monitoring minutes, and medical necessity
• Streamline intake-to-payment workflows across RTM, RPM, CCM, and telehealth
• Enhance payer compliance as Medicare and commercial plans finalize RTM coverage policies
• Protect and grow recurring RTM revenue

Book an RTM Revenue & Compliance Assessment

Position your clinic for a more compliant, scalable, and predictable RTM revenue cycle, now and beyond 2026.

📞 +1 (727) 214-2749
📧 success@medviz.ai