Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) : The Complete 2026 Guide for MSK Providers

Introduction

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is transforming the delivery of musculoskeletal (MSK) care by enabling providers to track patient progress beyond the clinic. In 2026, RTM has become even more important due to expanded CPT codes and updated Medicare reimbursement rules that improve accesibility for rehab providers. Musculoskeletal conditions impose a massive financial burden on the healthcare system, costing approximately ~$600 billion annually, which is more than twice the cost of heart disease. Despite this, patient adherence remains a major challenge, with only about 30% of patients successfully completing prescribed home exercise programs.

Additionally, studies show that nearly 80% of clinical instructions are forgotten after a visit, highlighting a critical gap in continuity of care. RTM was designed specifically to bridge this gap by enabling continuous digital monitoring and engagement between patient visits.

The growing adoption of digital health tools has made RTM a practical extension of in-clinic rehabilitation rather than a separate service.

Recent policy changes from CMS in 2026 have further clarified reimbursement structures, making it easier for providers to implement RTM at scale.

Many clinics are now using RTM not only to track adherence but also to identify early warning signs of treatment inefficiency.

This shift supports a more proactive model of care, where interventions can be adjusted before patient conditions worsen.

As a result, RTM is increasingly viewed as a core component of modern MSK care pathways rather than an optional digital add-on.

What is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)?

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring refers to the use of digital technologies to track and evaluate a patient’s adherence, symptoms, and response to treatment for musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions.

CMS first approved RTM CPT codes in 2022, and the system was significantly expanded in the 2026 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, introducing new billing flexibility and additional codes.

RTM allows providers to:

• Monitor patient progress remotely
• Improve adherence to home exercise programs
• Collect both subjective and objective treatment data
• Enhance clinical decision-making between visits

Why RTM Matters in MSK Care

RTM plays a key role in addressing inefficiencies in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Research highlights that digital engagement improves adherence and exercise consistency through continuous feedback and support.

By combining clinical insight with patient-reported data, RTM helps providers better understand real-world patient progress and adjust treatment plans more effectively. This leads to improved outcomes and more personalized rehabilitation strategies.

Requirements of RTM

Non-Physiological Data

RTM focuses on non-physiological data such as:

• Pain levels
• Exercise adherence
• Therapy response

Unlike RPM, this data can be self-reported by the patient through approved digital tools.

Medical Device Definition

RTM devices must meet the FDA definition of a medical device, including any instrument or system used to diagnose, monitor, or treat medical conditions.

Eligible Providers

According to CMS, the following providers may bill RTM:

• Physicians
• Physical Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Speech Language Pathologists

As of January 1, 2026, RTM codes are classified as “sometimes therapy” services and must follow specific billing modifiers (GP, GO, GN, CQ, CO depending on provider type).

RTM vs RPM

RTM differs significantly from Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM):

• RPM tracks physiological data (BP, HR, oxygen levels)
• RTM focuses on MSK function, symptoms, and adherence
• RTM is applicable for rehab therapists
• RPM is limited to specific medical practitioners

Both systems cannot be billed for the same patient in the same month.

RTM CPT Codes (2026 Overview)

Service Codes

• 98975 – Initial setup & patient education (once per episode)
• 98985 – Device supply (2–15 days) NEW 2026
• 98977 – Device supply (16–30 days)

Treatment Management Codes

• 98979 – 10–19 minutes monthly (NEW 2026)
• 98980 – First 20 minutes monthly
• 98981 – Each additional 20 minutes

Billing rules require strict separation between time thresholds and cannot be combined incorrectly within the same month.

2026 RTM Reimbursement Highlights

• 98985 → $40.08 (NEW)
• 98979 → $26.39 (NEW)
• 98980 → $54.11
• 98981 → $41.42
• 98975 → $21.71
• 98977 → $40.08

These updates significantly improve flexibility for shorter monitoring periods and lower time thresholds.

Key Benefits of RTM

1. Improved Clinical Decision-Making

Real-time patient data helps providers adjust treatment plans more accurately.

2. Better Patient Access

Patients can receive care from home, reducing barriers like travel and scheduling issues.

3. Higher Engagement & Outcomes

Patients using RTM platforms show significantly higher adherence to exercise programs.

4. Increased Revenue Potential

Expanded CPT codes in 2026 allow clinics to capture previously unbillable services.

5. Reduced Healthcare Costs

Early intervention reduces downstream costs such as surgeries, imaging, and emergency care.

Final Thoughts

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring is redefining musculoskeletal care by connecting patients and providers beyond traditional clinical settings. The 2026 updates make RTM more accessible, flexible, and financially viable for rehabilitation practices.

As healthcare continues shifting toward value-based care, RTM provides a scalable framework for improving outcomes, enhancing engagement, and supporting hybrid care models. Clinics that adopt RTM early will be better positioned to optimize workflows, increase revenue, and deliver higher-quality patient care in the evolving digital healthcare landscape.

Additionally, the continued evolution of CMS guidelines suggests that RTM will likely expand further into other clinical specialties beyond MSK and respiratory care.

Successful adoption of RTM will increasingly depend on how well practices integrate it into existing workflows rather than treating it as a standalone service.

Data interoperability between RTM platforms and electronic health records will also play a key role in long-term scalability.

Clinics that systematically analyze RTM-generated data can better identify patterns in patient behavior and treatment response.

Over time, RTM is expected to become a standard component of hybrid care models rather than an optional add-on service.

FAQ

1. What is RTM in physical therapy?

RTM is a digital monitoring system that tracks patient adherence and treatment response for MSK and respiratory conditions.

2. Who can bill RTM codes?

Physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists can bill RTM under CMS guidelines.

3. What is new in RTM for 2026?

Two new CPT codes (98985 and 98979) were introduced, allowing billing for shorter monitoring and lower treatment time thresholds.

4. Can RTM and RPM be billed together?

No, RTM and RPM cannot be billed for the same patient within the same calendar month.

5. What is the minimum requirement for RTM billing?

RTM requires specific data collection days and at least one interactive communication per month.