5 Common Mistakes Clinics Make With RTM(And How to Avoid Them)

Since being introduced by CMS as new billable CPT codes for Remote Therapeutic Monitoring in 2022, RTM has been widely implemented throughout clinics across the United States. However, despite its increasing popularity and widespread implementation, many clinics still run into trouble integrating RTM into their existing clinic workflow, often cutting costs and quitting early due to frustrations with the platform.

However, when implemented and utilized correctly, RTM can:

• ⏰ Reduce time spent on redundant administrative tasks such as billing, patient documentation
• 🏃‍♂️‍➡️ Help drive value-based care for better patient outcomes
• 📈 Increase patient engagement and retention
• 💪 Enhance clinic branding and competitiveness to interested patients
• 💰 Generate revenue up to $165 per month per patient

Mistake 1: Missing CPT Code Billing Requirements

The Problem

One of the most common mistakes clinics make with RTM is misunderstanding or completely overlooking CPT code billing requirements. Even a small error can lead to denied claims, wasted staff time, and lost revenue.

Take CPT code 98977 as an example. It requires at least 16 days of data transmission in a 30-day period. If a therapist submits a claim with only 10 days of data, the insurance company will deny it, leaving the clinic unpaid for work they’ve already done.

Solution

The key to avoiding these pitfalls is knowing the rules and keeping track of patient data transmission.

Of course, remembering all these details and ensuring the clinic always meets requirements can feel overwhelming. That’s where the right RTM platform makes a difference.

With PhyxUp Health’s AI-powered RTM platform, the billing process is automated. The system ensures codes are only billed when requirements are met, reducing denials and helping your clinic maximize reimbursement, without the added stress of manual tracking.

Mistake 2: Forgetting to Engage Patients

The Problem

One of the biggest advantages of RTM is how it can strengthen the provider–patient relationship. With RTM, providers can monitor progress, give real-time feedback, and keep patients motivated on their home exercise programs.

But here’s the catch: many clinics treat RTM as something that just runs in the background. They set it up and then rarely use the engagement features. When that happens, they miss out on RTM’s true value. The result? Fewer patient interactions, lower retention, and lost revenue opportunities.

Solution

RTM works best when it’s used as a tool for active patient engagement. Providers gain real-time insights and, more importantly, the ability to step in when something changes. This helps patients stay on track and ensures treatment plans adjust as their needs evolve.

Engagement doesn’t have to mean extra work either. With the right RTM platform, features like these are built in and automated:

• ✅ Personalized treatment adjustments that adapt to patients’ progress
• ✅ User-friendly interface that patients actually enjoy using
• ✅ Automated reminders so patients never forget an exercise or check-in
• ✅ Secure built-in messaging to keep communication open and consistent

With PhyxUp’s RTM, these features happen seamlessly in the background. You get the benefit of higher patient engagement, better outcomes, and stronger revenue, all without adding extra work to your plate.

Mistake 3: Not Reviewing Patient Data Transmission Between Clinic Visits

The Problem

Too often, clinics wait until the next in-person appointment to check in on a patient’s progress. The issue? By then, valuable insights and opportunities for timely intervention are already missed.

RTM was designed to change that. Instead of being limited to what happens during a 30-minute session in the clinic, therapists can now keep tabs on patients’ progress in real time. This shift doesn’t just support better care, it also opens the door to additional billable monitoring time.

Solution

It’s understandable why some providers hesitate. Documentation and data review already take time, so adding “remote monitoring” might sound like just another burden.

But here’s the good news: with the right RTM platform, reviewing patient data takes only minutes. PhyxUp Health automatically tracks progress and generates clear reports, so providers can quickly check key areas like:

• 🚶 Walking patterns
• 😴 Sleep schedules
• 🎯 HEP Adherence
• 📊 Pain levels and other symptoms
• 💆 Emotional well-being

Instead of spending hours, therapists get actionable insights in minutes, helping them make timely adjustments, keep patients on track, and capture the additional revenue RTM was designed to provide.

Mistake 4: Forgetting to Track Monitoring Time

The Problem

The most important factor in billing RTM is the time providers spend monitoring patients. Yet many clinics forget to log this time, leaving thousands of dollars in revenue unclaimed.

Even worse, improper tracking can lead to claim denials. When every minute counts, missing documentation isn’t just a small mistake, it’s lost income for the clinic.

Solution

Fortunately, RTM platforms make this easy by automatically tracking and documenting monitoring time. That means every interaction is captured, including:

• 🔍 Reviewing patient reports and data
• 💬 Messaging and communication
• 📝 Adjusting treatment plans

With tracking built into the platform, you don’t have to worry about missed minutes or lost revenue. RTM ensures your clinic gets the credit and, most importantly, reimbursement for the care you’re already providing.

Mistake 5: Skipping Proper Patient Onboarding

The Problem

Even the best RTM platform won’t help if patients don’t understand how to use it. Without proper onboarding, patients can feel confused or overwhelmed, which leads to low adoption, poor engagement, and missed revenue opportunities.

Some patients may also be hesitant about RTM due to common misconceptions about how it works or the costs involved. Without clear guidance during onboarding, these concerns can grow, making adoption even harder.

Solution

Successful RTM starts with a smooth, simple onboarding process. Instead of handing patients a stack of paper instructions, PhyxUp Health makes setup intuitive and stress-free. Within minutes, patients know exactly how to use the platform and stay connected with their providers. Key onboarding features include:

• 📱 User-friendly interface that patients of all ages can navigate
• 🎯 Step-by-step guidance that makes setup simple and fast
• 🔔 Automated reminders to keep patients engaged from day one
• 🤝 Seamless communication so patients feel supported outside the clinic

When onboarding is easy, patients are more likely to stay engaged, complete their home exercise programs, and stay loyal to your practice, translating to better outcomes and stronger revenue for your clinic.

Ready to Avoid These Common RTM Mistakes?

PhyxUp Health is built to make Remote Therapeutic Monitoring simple, effective, and profitable—helping your clinic avoid missed revenue, denied claims, and patient engagement challenges.

With PhyxUp Health, you get:

• ⚙️ AI-powered tools reduce admin burden so therapists can focus on care.
• 📈 Automatic billing and reimbursement through CMS approved CMS codes for revenue generation
• 💬 Enhanced patient engagement and onboarding to boost adherence, retention, and outcomes
• 💻 Seamless EMR/EHR integration with your clinic workflow
• 👷‍♂️ HIPAA-compliant security to protect patient data

If your clinic wants to deliver better care, improve patient engagement, and increase revenue, all without adding extra work, PhyxUp Health is the solution.

Learn how PhyxUp Health can help your clinic avoid mistakes, capture more revenue, and transform the way you deliver care.