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Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is quickly becoming a core tool for physical therapists (PT), occupational therapists (OT), and speech-language pathologists (SLP) who want to improve patient outcomes and unlock new, compliant revenue streams.
When implemented correctly, RTM allows therapy clinics to stay connected with patients between visits, track progress outside the clinic, and make timely treatment adjustments while billing appropriately for that work.
This guide breaks down what RTM is, how it works, how billing actually functions, and how therapy practices can implement RTM without disrupting workflows.
What Is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)?
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) allows therapists to monitor therapy-related patient data remotely using digital tools and connected technology.
Unlike traditional in-clinic visits, RTM focuses on what happens between appointments, helping therapists understand whether patients are following their care plans and progressing as expected.
RTM typically tracks non-physiological data, such as:
-
- Exercise adherence
- Functional movement patterns
- Therapy participation
- Activity completion
- Speech or motor task engagement
This data is collected outside the clinic and reviewed by the therapist, who can then adjust treatment plans, provide feedback, and document progress.
How RTM Works in Therapy Practices
RTM follows a structured, repeatable process that fits naturally into therapy workflows.
Device or Tool Setup
Patients use approved digital tools such as mobile apps, wearable motion sensors, or therapy-specific platforms that capture therapy-related activity.
Data Collection
The system records activity data over time, such as:
- Completion of home exercise programs
- Range of motion trends
- Repetition counts
- Engagement with therapy tasks
Data Review
Therapists review collected data within a defined monitoring period and evaluate whether patients are progressing, plateauing, or falling behind.
Therapist Interaction
The therapist engages with the patient or caregiver through documented communication, coaching, or treatment adjustments based on RTM data.
Why RTM Is a Game-Changer for PT, OT, and SLP
RTM offers tangible benefits across clinical care, patient engagement, and practice sustainability.
Increased Patient Engagement
Patients stay connected to their care plans even outside scheduled visits. This improves consistency and accountability.
Improved Therapy Outcomes
Continuous monitoring allows therapists to identify issues earlier and intervene before progress stalls.
Expanded Revenue Opportunities
RTM introduces reimbursable services that do not require in-person visits, helping clinics grow without adding treatment hours.
Flexible Care Delivery
RTM works well for:
- Post-surgical rehab
- Chronic conditions
- Neurological care
- Speech and cognitive therapy
- Patients with transportation or scheduling barriers
RTM vs Other Remote Care Models (Clarifying the Scope)
RTM is designed specifically for therapy-related monitoring and differs from other remote care models that focus on medical or physiological data.
RTM is appropriate when:
- The primary goal is improving functional performance
- Progress depends on adherence to therapy activities
- Monitoring supports skilled therapeutic decision-making
For PTs, OTs, and SLPs, RTM aligns directly with therapy goals—not general medical management
RTM is designed specifically for therapy-related monitoring and differs from other remote care models that focus on medical or physiological data.
RTM is appropriate when:
- The primary goal is improving functional performance
- Progress depends on adherence to therapy activities
- Monitoring supports skilled therapeutic decision-making
For PTs, OTs, and SLPs, RTM aligns directly with therapy goals—not general medical management.
RTM Billing Codes Therapists Need to Know
Understanding RTM billing is essential to using it effectively and compliantly.
Common RTM Codes
- CPT 98975 – Initial setup and patient education
- CPT 98977 – Ongoing monitoring over a 30-day period
- CPT 98980 – First 20 minutes of interactive treatment management
These codes require:
- A minimum number of monitoring days
- Documented therapist involvement
- Patient or caregiver interaction
How RTM Can Increase Practice Revenue
RTM allows clinics to bill for work they are already doing monitoring progress, following up with patients, and adjusting care plans.
Example Revenue Scenario
- Initiate RTM for multiple Medicare patients
- Monitor therapy activity over required days
- Document interactive management time
- Bill eligible RTM codes monthly
For clinics managing multiple patients, RTM can create meaningful recurring revenue without increasing in-clinic volume.
Step-by-Step: Implementing RTM in Your Therapy Practice
Step 1 – Identify Appropriate Patients
RTM works best for patients who:
- Require consistent follow-through
- Are progressing outside the clinic
- Benefit from frequent check-ins
Step 2 – Choose Therapy-Appropriate Tools
Select tools that track therapy-specific activities not just generic health data.
Step 3 – Educate Patients
Explain:
- What data is being tracked
- Why it matters
- How it supports their recovery
Step 4 – Integrate RTM Into Documentation
RTM should flow directly into treatment notes and care plans, not exist as a separate system.
Step 5 – Monitor, Adjust, and Document
Use RTM data to:
- Modify interventions
- Reinforce adherence
- Justify skilled therapy decisions
Common RTM Challenges (and How Clinics Avoid Them)
Technology Adoption
Some patients need guidance. Clear onboarding reduces friction.
Documentation Gaps
RTM billing requires clear documentation of monitoring and interaction—not just data collection.
Compliance Risks
Using an EMR that supports RTM documentation and billing reduces audit exposure.
How HelloNote Supports RTM for Therapy Clinics
HelloNote is built specifically for therapy practices and supports RTM workflows without adding administrative complexity.
With HelloNote, clinics can:
-
- Track therapy-related monitoring data
- Document RTM interactions clearly
- Align RTM activity with plans of care
- Support compliant billing workflows
- Keep RTM documentation audit-ready
RTM becomes part of the clinical workflow not a separate system to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions About RTM
Q1. What types of patients benefit most from RTM?
Patients who require ongoing monitoring between visits, including those with musculoskeletal, neurological, or functional therapy needs.
Q2. Can PTs, OTs, and SLPs bill RTM directly?
Yes, when RTM services meet billing requirements and are documented appropriately within a therapy plan of care.
Q3. Does RTM replace in-person visits?
No. RTM supplements in-clinic care by improving continuity and insight between appointments.
Final Thoughts
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring is not a trend—it’s a practical extension of modern therapy care.
For PT, OT, and SLP practices, RTM:
- Strengthens patient engagement
- Improves clinical decision-making
- Expands reimbursable services
- Supports sustainable growth
With the right workflows and an EMR designed for therapy, RTM becomes a natural, valuable part of practice operations.
If your clinic is exploring RTM, having the right system in place makes all the difference.
