Exploring CPT Code 98977: RTM App Supply & Data Transmission for MSK Care
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) for Managing Musculoskeletal (MSK) Conditions
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is an innovative tool designed to help healthcare providers monitor and manage musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. By using RTM apps, providers can track patient progress, ensure compliance with home exercise programs (HEPs), and deliver more personalized care between visits. These apps enable patients to log exercises, pain levels, and other data, which is then shared with providers in real time for continuous support.
Six CPT codes are associated with RTM, divided into service and treatment management codes. Four of these codes are specifically focused on MSK conditions.
Key RTM CPT Codes for MSK Care:
- CPT Code 98975: RTM App Setup and Patient Education
- CPT Code 98977: RTM App Supply for Monitoring Patient Condition
- CPT Code 98980: Initial 20 Minutes of Monitoring
- CPT Code 98981: Additional 20 Minutes of Monitoring
In this article, we’ll focus on CPT Code 98977, explaining its purpose, billing guidelines, and documentation requirements.
What Is an RTM App?
An RTM app is a digital platform that helps healthcare providers deliver home exercise programs and monitor their progress. Patients use the app to log key health metrics, such as daily exercises, pain levels, and activity progress. This data is shared with providers in real-time, enabling them to:
- Monitor patient adherence to prescribed HEPs
- Provide timely feedback and adjust treatment plans
- Identify potential issues or changes in the patient’s condition
Examples of RTM apps include tools like PhyxUp Health, which simplify monitoring and improve patient engagement.
What Does CPT Code 98977 Cover?
This code pertains to the supply of apps used to monitor a patient’s MSK condition. It ensures that patients are equipped with the necessary tools to log their activity and report progress remotely.
Key points about CPT Code 98977:
- The app provides scheduled recordings (e.g., daily logs) or sends alerts to monitor the patient’s condition.
- Providers can bill this code every 30 days, provided at least 16 days of data transmission occurred within the period.
Who Can Bill CPT Code 98977?
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the following professionals are eligible to bill CPT Code 98977:
- Physicians
- Physical Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
The 2024 CMS Final Rule allows physical therapists and occupational therapists to supervise RTM services provided by their assistants (PTAs and OTAs) under general supervision. This ensures that RTM services can be delivered effectively, even outside the clinic.
Billing Frequency for CPT Code 98977
Providers may bill this code once every 30 days, as long as the 16-day data transmission requirement is met.
Real-World Example:
A physical therapist sets up an RTM app, such as PhyxUp Health, to send home exercise programs and track a patient’s exercises and pain levels. The patient logs a pain level of 5/10 and records exercise on 18 out of 30 days. Since the patient meets the minimum 16-day requirement, the therapist can bill CPT Code 98977 for providing the app and reviewing the recorded data.
Documentation Requirements for CPT Code 98977
To ensure compliance and proper billing, providers should document:
- Device Details: Specify the app provided to the patient.
- Data Transmission: Record the number of logs or alerts transmitted during the 30 days.
- Collected Data: Include data gathered from the patient via the app, such as exercise logs or pain scores.
Need Guidance on RTM CPT Codes?
PhyxUp Health provides tailored solutions for implementing RTM in healthcare practices. The platform simplifies patient monitoring, billing, and documentation, enabling providers to deliver exceptional care beyond the clinic.
Learn more at https://phyxuphealth.com
