Exploring CPT Code 98980: 20 Minutes of Remote Monitoring

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) for Managing Musculoskeletal (MSK) Conditions

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is an easy-to-use, app-based solution that helps healthcare providers manage musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. With RTM apps, providers can track patient progress, encourage adherence to home exercise programs (HEPs), and offer personalized care between in-person visits. Patients can log their exercises, pain levels, and other important information, which is then shared with their providers in real time. This allows healthcare providers to offer continuous support and make adjustments as needed, even when they aren’t seeing the patient in person.

Key RTM CPT Codes for MSK Care

There are six CPT codes associated with RTM, divided into service and treatment management codes. Four of these are particularly relevant to 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 and Treatment Management
• CPT Code 98981: Additional 20 Minutes of Monitoring and Treatment Management

What Does CPT Code 98980 Cover?

CPT Code 98980 applies to the first 20 minutes of RTM treatment management services provided during a calendar month. This includes:

• Monitoring patient progress
• Reviewing key metrics, such as pain levels or exercise compliance
• Conducting at least one interactive communication (e.g., phone call or video call) with the patient or caregiver

Providers must accumulate a total of 20 minutes of these services within the month to bill this code.

Who Can Bill CPT Code 98980?

CPT Code 98980 can be billed by the following professionals:

• Physicians
• Physical Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Other qualified healthcare professionals involved in RTM services

Billing Frequency for CPT Code 98980

CPT Code 98980 is billed once per calendar month for the first 20 minutes of RTM treatment management. Additional time can be billed under CPT Code 98981, in 20-minute increments.

Real-World Example

Let’s look at a real-world example: A physical therapist uses an RTM app to track a patient’s recovery following shoulder surgery. Over the course of the month, the therapist spends:

• 15 minutes reviewing the patient’s logged exercises and pain level data
• 5 minutes on a phone call with the patient, discussing progress and updating the home exercise program

Since this totals 20 minutes, the therapist is eligible to bill CPT Code 98980 for that month.

Documentation Requirements for CPT Code 98980

To properly bill CPT Code 98980, providers should document the following:

• Time spent: Ensure at least 20 minutes of RTM management services are provided during the calendar month
• Interactive communication: Record the date, time, and method of patient interaction (e.g., video or phone)
• Services provided: Note the data reviewed, decisions made based on the data, and any updates to the treatment plan

Accurate documentation is key to staying compliant with billing guidelines and avoiding potential audits.

Need Guidance on RTM CPT Codes?

Navigating RTM billing and compliance can be challenging, but PhyxUp Health makes it simple. Our easy-to-use RTM app helps providers deliver top-notch care while streamlining billing and ensuring compliance. With features like real-time progress tracking, interactive communication tools, and automated documentation, we make managing RTM easier than ever. PhyxUp Health helps you focus on patient care while simplifying the billing process.

Contact us today to learn more! https://phyxuphealth.com