RTM CPT Code 98977: Device Supply for Monitoring Musculoskeletal System

There are six CPT® codes used by providers for Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM), four of which are relevant to musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. Furthermore, the RTM CPT codes are broken down into two basic types: service codes and treatment management codes.

‍

• CPT Code 98975: Initial Set-up and Patient Education
• CPT Code 98977: Supply of Device for Monitoring Musculoskeletal System
• CPT Code 98980: Monitoring/Treatment Management Services, first 20 minutes
• CPT Code 98981: Monitoring/Treatment Management Services, each additional 20 minutes

In this blog, we’ll explore RTM CPT Code 98977, highlighting its focus on patient engagement as well as the billing and documentation requirements

‍

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring CPT® Code 98977: Supply of Device for Monitoring Musculoskeletal System

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring device(s) supply with scheduled (eg, daily) recording(s) and/or programmed alert(s) transmission to monitor musculoskeletal system, each 30 days

• If the patient continues to be actively involved in the RTM service, and you continue to provide the ‘medical device’, you may continue to bill this code in subsequent 30 day periods.
• You cannot bill code 98977 if less than 16 days of data transmissions occurred during the 30-day period.

‍

‍

CPT Code Type:

Service Code

‍

Who Can Bill 98977:

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the CPT® codes for RTM can be billed by “physicians and other eligible qualified healthcare professionals.” This includes the following clinicians:

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

The 2024 CMS Final Rule brought clarification to the rules of General Supervision. This important provision allows Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists in private practice to provide general supervision for RTM services furnished by their PTAs and OTAs, respectively. This supports RTM management services to be performed outside of the clinic, which is instrumental to providing comprehensive at-home support for patients. 

In all cases, providers must practice in accordance with applicable state and scope of practice laws. 

‍

Billing Frequency:

CPT code 98977 may be billed once each 30 days, if 16 days of data transmission are met.

‍

Clinical Example:

A provider enrolls a patient in Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) and equips them with the necessary medical device or software, such as the Limber Health app. The patient uses the app to complete their prescribed home exercises and logs a daily pain rating of 3/10 today. By continuing to engage in these activities for 20 out of the next 30 days, the patient meets the 16-day threshold, enabling the provider to bill CPT Code 98977 for the transmitted RTM data.

‍

Required Documentation for 98977:

• Document whether you provided the medical device to the patient or did the patient have their own medical device
• Document the number of recording(s) and/or programmed alert(s) transmission for the 30-day calendar period
• Document the data that was gathered by the medical device

‍

RTM CPT Code Questions?

Created alongside clinicians and experts in billing and compliance, Limber Health's RTM Billing & Coding Guide offers an in-depth look at all of the Remote Therapeutic Monitoring CPT codes, best practices for billing and documentation and answers your frequently asked questions. Click the button below to download your free copy of the guide.

‍

‍

The information provided here about the Remote Therapeutic Monitoring CPT Codes is for informational purposes only and does not constitute billing or legal advice.

‍