RTM in 2026: Complete Guide to Remote Therapeutic Monitoring, CPT Codes & Best RTM Software

Introduction

RTM (Remote Therapeutic Monitoring) is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of modern rehabilitation and physical therapy in 2026. As clinics seek smarter ways to extend care beyond in-person visits, RTM enables providers to remotely track therapeutic data such as exercise adherence, movement quality, and patient engagement.

With updated RTM CPT codes, evolving reimbursement models, and growing demand for hybrid clinic-to-home care—especially across Colorado—RTM offers both clinical and financial opportunities for therapy practices. In this guide, you’ll learn what RTM is, who it’s for, how it benefits patients, and how to choose the right RTM software for your clinic.

What Is RTM (Remote Therapeutic Monitoring)?

RTM is a Medicare-recognized remote care delivery model that uses digital tools and connected devices to monitor non-physiologic therapeutic data. This includes information such as home exercise adherence, functional movement quality, and patient response to therapy programs.

Unlike RPM (Remote Patient Monitoring), which focuses on physiologic vitals like blood pressure or oxygen saturation, RTM centers on therapeutic engagement and movement-based outcomes.

RTM data is transmitted electronically to clinicians, allowing them to document progress, adjust treatment plans, and bill appropriate RTM CPT codes under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

Who Is RTM For?

RTM is ideal for a wide range of patients who benefit from structured therapy outside the clinic.

Patients with musculoskeletal conditions, including those recovering from injury, surgery, or managing chronic orthopedic issues, can use RTM to ensure proper exercise performance and adherence between visits.

Respiratory therapy patients may also benefit from RTM, as it supports monitoring of therapy routines and functional respiratory performance over time.

RTM is especially valuable for home-based or hybrid care patients who live in rural areas of Colorado, have limited transportation, face high copayments, or are approved for fewer in-person visits.

In addition, patients who need accountability often achieve better results with RTM, because continuous monitoring encourages engagement and consistent participation in therapy programs.

By extending care into daily routines, RTM enables continuous feedback and real-time care optimization.

How RTM Helps Patients

RTM empowers patients and improves outcomes in several key ways. It increases engagement by keeping patients connected to their care plans through automated tracking and clinician feedback. It motivates better adherence, since therapists can quickly identify when patients fall behind and intervene early.

RTM can also reduce unnecessary clinic visits, which is especially helpful for busy patients and those in remote Colorado communities. Most importantly, consistent monitoring and timely care adjustments through RTM often lead to improved functional outcomes and smoother recovery journeys.

These advantages translate into higher patient satisfaction and more effective therapy experiences.

RTM CPT Codes & Reimbursement in 2026

As of January 1, 2026, RTM CPT codes continue to evolve, allowing greater flexibility for shorter monitoring periods and shorter clinical management interactions.

For RTM device setup and initial patient education, clinics use CPT code 98975, which is billed once at the start of RTM services.

For ongoing device supply and data collection over a shorter period of 2 to 15 days within a 30-day cycle, providers may bill CPT code 98985. This code was introduced to allow reimbursement for shorter monitoring durations that previously did not meet minimum requirements.

When RTM monitoring occurs for 16 to 30 days in a month, clinics should use CPT code 98977, which represents the standard monthly RTM device supply.

In addition to setup and supply, RTM allows billing for clinical management time. CPT code 98979 applies to the first 10 minutes of RTM treatment management per month and supports brief interactions such as data review or short patient check-ins.

For more comprehensive management, CPT code 98980 covers the first 20 minutes of RTM treatment management time in a month. If additional time is needed beyond those 20 minutes, providers may bill CPT code 98981 for each additional 20-minute increment. This additive code can be reported multiple times within the same 30-day period when medically necessary.

It is important to note that CPT codes 98979 and 98980 are not billed together for the same period. However, 98981 may be billed in addition to 98980 when total management time exceeds 20 minutes.

Medicare reimbursement for RTM varies by geographic region, so clinics in Colorado should verify local payment amounts using the CMS Physician Fee Schedule.

Why RTM Software Choice Matters

Not all platforms provide the same clinical or financial value. Effective RTM software should capture objective therapy data, automate workflows aligned with RTM documentation requirements, provide robust reporting and analytics, and actively engage patients in their care plans.

Choosing the right RTM platform ensures that RTM services are both clinically impactful and financially sustainable for therapy practices.

Why PivotalPT Is the Best RTM Software

PivotalPT stands out as a leading RTM software solution for rehabilitation practices.

It is built specifically for therapeutic monitoring, using AI-driven motion tracking to capture real movement data rather than simple symptom check-ins. This allows clinicians to gain meaningful insights that align with RTM clinical goals.

PivotalPT improves patient engagement and adherence by providing real-time guidance and feedback, helping patients stay compliant with their home exercise programs.

The platform also streamlines RTM workflows through documentation tools aligned with RTM CPT codes and AI-powered SOAP note generation, reducing administrative burden for clinicians.

With clinician-friendly dashboards and objective reporting, PivotalPT enables data-driven decisions without added complexity. Unlike generic remote monitoring tools, it is designed specifically for physical and occupational therapy workflows, supporting therapy-specific goals and metrics.

RTM for Clinics in Colorado

Across Colorado, from Denver to smaller rural communities, clinics are adopting RTM to expand access to care, reduce missed visits, and support hybrid clinic-to-home therapy models.

Because reimbursement is tied to regional fee schedules, RTM gives Colorado providers an opportunity to deliver high-quality remote therapy while maintaining revenue stability and improving patient reach.

Final Thoughts on RTM in 2026

RTM is set to become a core component of rehabilitation care in 2026 and beyond. With flexible RTM CPT codes, expanding reimbursement opportunities, and increasing demand for hybrid therapy models, RTM empowers clinics to improve outcomes while optimizing operational efficiency.

By adopting the right RTM platform, practices can extend care into patients’ daily lives, strengthen engagement, and future-proof their services. If your clinic is preparing for the next generation of rehabilitation care, now is the time to implement RTM.

Schedule a demo with PivotalPT to see how our RTM software can support your practice.

FAQs About RTM

What is RTM in physical therapy?

RTM allows therapists to remotely monitor therapeutic data such as exercise adherence and movement quality using digital tools and connected devices.

How is RTM different from RPM?

RTM focuses on therapeutic and behavioral data related to rehabilitation, while RPM tracks physiologic vitals like heart rate or blood pressure.

Is RTM reimbursed by Medicare in 2026?

Yes. RTM CPT codes including 98975, 98985, 98977, and 98979 through 98981 support reimbursement for RTM setup, device supply, and treatment management services when delivered and documented properly.

Who can bill RTM CPT codes?

Qualified providers such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other eligible clinicians may bill RTM when services meet Medicare guidelines.

What should clinics look for in RTM software?

Clinics should choose RTM software that captures objective data, supports CPT documentation, integrates smoothly into workflows, and keeps patients engaged in their therapy plans.