what is therapeurtic patient monitoring
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is recognized as a unique digital healthcare option in the 2022 Proposed Rule, which complements the current Remote Physiological Monitoring (RPM) system. It adds five new RTM CPT codes that roughly mirror the RPM codes that have been in use for a few years. These codes are designed to broaden the scope and capabilities of reimbursable digital healthcare apps to incorporate non-physiologic data monitoring.
Let’s look at the commonly asked questions about RTM.
What is Therapeutic Patient Monitoring?
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring is the overall name for five treatment management service codes approved by the CPT Editorial Panel in October 2020. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) clearance for remote patient monitoring includes numerous new non-physiologic and self-reported data categories, including respiratory system state, musculoskeletal system status, medication response, medication adherence, and pain levels.
Despite the name RTM, the method allows for the remote monitoring of a wide range of non-physiologic information, not only therapeutic communication. The principal billers under the new RTM codes are physical therapists, clinical psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists.
Is RTM Different From RPM?
Compared to RPM, remote patient monitoring tools enable the observation and management of a greater spectrum of health issues. Therefore, RTM coding includes compensation for services comparable to RPM but does not qualify for Remote Patient Monitoring billing under existing CPT codes.
RTM and RPM both need the use of medical instruments. However, the inclusion of self-reported data inside RTM codes is a significant distinction. Reimbursement for Remote Physiological Monitoring necessitates medical gadgets that automatically capture and upload the patient’s physiological data. On the other hand, RTM data can be self-reported, physically input into a device, and digitally submitted by patients.
Who Can Order and Deliver RTM?
RTM may be billed as general medicine services by physicians and other certified healthcare practitioners. The CPT Codebook defines a physician or other qualified healthcare professional as an individual who is qualified by education, training, and licensure to perform and report on a professional service within their scope of practice.
RTM codes for physical therapists (PT), occupational therapists (OT), speech-language pathologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical social workers may also be accessible.
What Is the Required RTM Duration of Service
CPT code 98980 necessitates at least 20 minutes per month committed to remote therapeutic monitoring and management of the patient. This period must also contain at least one interactive dialogue with the patient or caregiver during the month. This can be through a phone or video call. CPT code 98981 has the same criteria as CPT code 98980, except that it is used as an add-on code for an extra 20 minutes every month.
Bottom Line
Now that you know the answer to “what is therapeutic patient monitoring?”, it’s worth noting that the CMS is currently seeking user input on options for integrating practitioners who do not have physician or non-physician provider licenses. They are also looking for input on standard devices used to monitor the kind of data contained in the code descriptors and the associated expenses.
