Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is quickly becoming a key tool for physical therapists (PT), occupational therapists (OT), and speech-language pathologists (SLP) who are looking to enhance patient care and increase their practice's revenue By understanding how to implement RTM effectively and navigating the complexities of billing, therapists can provide better care while also taking advantage of reimbursement opportunities.
What is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)?
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) allows therapists to monitor patient progress remotely through digital tools and technology, making it easier to track outcomes, adjust treatments, and maintain consistent patient engagement. This practice is particularly useful for conditions that benefit from regular check-ins but do not require in-person visits.
RTM integrates the use of sensors, wearable devices, and mobile apps to collect patient data outside of the clinic. It enables therapists to analyze this data, interact with patients and caregivers, and provide feedback—all without the need for the patient to visit the office.
Why RTM is a Game-Changer for PT, OT, and SLP
For physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists, RTM can offer several benefits:
- Increased Patient Engagement: RTM keeps patients connected to their treatment plans between appointments. By tracking progress remotely, therapists can keep patients engaged in their rehabilitation process.
- Improved Outcomes: With continuous monitoring, therapists can make timely adjustments to treatment plans, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
- Increased Revenue: RTM allows therapists to bill for remote services, leading to additional reimbursement opportunities. This can help private practices increase their monthly earnings without requiring extra in-office visits.
- Flexibility: RTM also helps manage patient load more effectively by offering a flexible approach that works well for both high- and low-acuity patients.
Understanding the Difference Between RTM and RPM
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) and Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM) are both crucial tools in modern healthcare, but they serve different purposes and target specific patient needs. Below is a breakdown to help PTs, OTs, and SLPs understand their distinctions.
RTM vs. RPM: Key Differences at a Glance
|
Aspect |
RTM |
RPM |
|
Primary Focus |
Therapeutic care (adherence, progress) |
Chronic condition management (physiological) |
|
Data Type |
Non-physiological (exercise compliance, etc.) |
Physiological (vital signs, glucose, etc.) |
|
Primary Users |
PTs, OTs, SLPs |
Physicians |
|
Purpose |
Optimize therapy outcomes |
Monitor and manage chronic illnesses |
|
Typical Use Case |
Tracking home exercises and therapy routines |
Managing hypertension, diabetes, COPD, etc. |
Which One Should You Use?
-
- Choose RTM if you are a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist aiming to track therapy-related compliance and progress.
- Choose RPM if you’re managing physiological metrics for chronic conditions, such as blood pressure or glucose levels, under a physician-led care plan.
RTM Codes and Billing
Understanding how to bill for RTM is crucial to fully leveraging its financial benefits. There are several codes available that can be used depending on the service provided. The key codes to know are:
- CPT 98975: Used for initiating remote monitoring.
- CPT 98977: Used for monitoring the patient’s progress remotely.
- CPT 98980: Used for providing 20 minutes of interactive services (e.g., virtual meetings with patients or caregivers).
Breakdown of Potential Profits Using RTM Codes in Your Private Practice
One of the key benefits of implementing RTM in your practice is the opportunity to increase revenue through the proper use of billing codes. Here’s a breakdown of how RTM codes can directly contribute to your earnings:
- Initiating a Remote Monitoring System for a Patient
-
- Bill Code: RTM 98975
- When to Bill: On day 17 after initiating the program.
- Potential Earnings: You could earn roughly $20 per patient for each patient you initiate this program with and monitor for at least 16 days.
- Submitting a Progress Note After 30 Days of Monitoring
-
- After tracking the patient’s progress and engaging in remote monitoring, you’ll need to submit a progress note.
- Bill Codes: CPT 98977 and CPT 98980
- When to Bill: Submit after 30 days of working with the patient, including tracking 16 days of remote monitoring and interacting at least 20 minutes with the patient or caregiver.
- Potential Earnings: You may earn $50 for CPT 98980 (for the first 20 minutes of interaction) and $55 for CPT 98977.
- Repeating Billing for the Next 30 Days
-
- You can continue to bill for CPT codes 98977 and 98980 after the first 30 days, as long as monitoring and patient interactions continue.
- Potential Earnings: Another $105 for the second 30-day period.
Example of Monthly Earnings with RTM:
-
- If you treat 10 Medicare patients per month, your total earnings for RTM services could reach an additional $1,200 per month. (This includes the $125 for the first 30 days and the $105 for the next 30 days per patient).
Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing RTM in Your Practice
If you’re looking to incorporate RTM into your practice, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Step 1: Assess Your Current Practice and Patient Needs Evaluate whether RTM is a good fit for your patient population. Consider conditions where remote monitoring could benefit the patient’s rehabilitation progress.
- Step 2: Choose the Right Tools and Technology Invest in the right devices and software that will allow you to monitor patient progress remotely. This may include wearable devices or mobile apps that can track patient data such as range of motion, vital signs, or speech therapy progress.
- Step 3: Educate Your Patients Explain the benefits of RTM to your patients and get their consent to use remote monitoring tools. Clear communication about how it works will help ensure smooth integration.
- Step 4: Integrate RTM into Your Workflow Incorporate RTM into your regular therapy sessions. Make sure that you are using the codes correctly and submitting progress notes in a timely manner to avoid billing delays.
- Step 5: Monitor and Adjust as Necessary Regularly check the data gathered through RTM and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Ensure that you are meeting the criteria for billing and provide ongoing feedback to patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About RTM for PT, OT, and SLP
- What types of patients can benefit from RTM? RTM is most beneficial for patients with chronic conditions or those who are in need of ongoing monitoring but don’t require in-person visits. This includes patients with musculoskeletal injuries, neurological conditions, and those undergoing speech therapy.
- How do I know if I can bill for RTM? Ensure that you are meeting all the necessary criteria for billing. For example, CPT code 98975 can only be billed after 16 days of monitoring, and CPT codes 98977 and 98980 require at least 20 minutes of interaction with the patient or caregiver.
- How do I get reimbursed for RTM services? Reimbursement rates vary depending on the payer, but RTM offers a solid opportunity for increasing revenue through proper coding. Keep track of patient progress and billing requirements to maximize reimbursement.
Conclusion
With solutions like HelloNote, implementing RTM becomes even more efficient. HelloNote simplifies the process by streamlining documentation, tracking patient progress, and ensuring compliance with billing requirements. By adopting this robust practice management software, you can focus on providing high-quality care while maximizing the financial potential of RTM.
Take the time to integrate RTM into your practice today with the support of HelloNote, and start experiencing the benefits. Whether you’re remotely monitoring progress or billing for the services provided, RTM combined with the right tools can elevate your practice and empower your patients to achieve their goals.