By the Coding and Reimbursement Advisory Committee

Remote monitoring services refer to the use of digital technologies to collect, transmit and analyze health data from patients outside of traditional health care settings, such as in their homes. These services enable health care professionals to monitor, manage and respond to patients’ acute or chronic conditions without requiring in-person visits. Remote monitoring services is also an umbrella term that includes both remote physiological monitoring (RPM) as well as remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM).

Key features and benefits of remote monitoring services

Remote monitoring involves several key features that support patient care and clinical decision-making from a distance.

Data collection from a distance

  • Involves capturing physiological or therapeutic data such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, respiratory rates or patient-reported symptoms.
  • Data is gathered using a medical device or patient apps, then securely transmitted to the provider.

Continuous or periodic monitoring

  • Allows for ongoing evaluation of a patient’s condition.
  • Early detection of issues helps prevent complications and potential hospitalizations.

Integration with clinical care

  • Collected data is interpreted by physicians or other qualified health care professionals.
  • Results are used to adjust treatment plans, educate patients, or intervene if a condition worsens.

Includes RPM and RTM services

  • RPM: Focuses on physiological metrics using devices like blood pressure cuffs or pulse oximeters.
  • RTM: Focuses on therapy adherence, therapy response or symptom tracking.

Remote monitoring services improve patient engagement and self-management, enhance access to care — especially in rural or underserved areas — and help reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations. They also enable proactive medical interventions and streamline chronic disease management.

How RPM and RTM are different

The table below compares RPM and RTM across key features such as purpose, data type, device requirements, clinical focus, and common uses to clarify how each supports patient care differently.

Feature RPM RTM
Primary purpose Collects and analyzes physiologic data for managing chronic or acute conditions Monitors therapeutic responses to assess how patients are responding to treatment
Type of data collected Objective physiological data (e.g., heart rate, pulse oximetry, blood pressure) Subjective data (patient-reported) and objective data (device/software-collected)
Device requirement Must use an FDA-defined medical device that automatically transmits data Can use software, apps or digital tools; FDA classification not always required
Clinical focus Supports the development and management of a treatment plan related to physiologic measurements Provides a functionally integrative representation of patient status to guide therapeutic decisions
Data transmission Automatic transmission from the device is required May involve manual entry or app-based logging by the patient
Common uses Chronic disease management (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, COPD) Therapy adherence, musculoskeletal conditions, medication management, behavioral health
Billing code family CPT codes 99453-99458 CPT codes 98975-98978

CPT codes

The following CPT codes outline billing options for remote physiological and therapeutic monitoring services.

CPT codes for RPM services

  • 99091: Collection and interpretation of physiologic data; digitally stored and/or transmitted by the patient to the physician or qualified health professional, requiring a minimum of 30 minutes of time, each 30 days
  • 99453: Remote monitoring of physiological parameter(s); e.g., weight, pulse oximetry, respiratory flow; initial setup and patient education of use of equipment
  • 99454: Remote monitoring of physiologic parameter(s); e.g., weight, pulse oximetry, respiratory flow; initial, device(s) supply with daily recording(s) or programmed alert(s) transmission, each 30 days
  • 99473: Self-measured blood pressure using a device validated for clinical accuracy, patient education/training and device calibration
  • 99474: Self-measured blood pressure using device validated for clinical accuracy, separate self-measurements of two readings one minute apart, twice daily over a 30-day period (minimum of 12 readings, do not report 99474 more than once per calendar month)
  • 99457: Remote physiological monitoring treatment management services, requiring interactive communication w/the patient or caregiver during the month, first 20 minutes
  • 99458: Remote physiological monitoring treatment management services, requiring interactive communication with patient/caregiver during the month, each additional 20 minutes (list separately in addition to primary procedure)

CPT codes for RTM services

  • 98975: Remote therapeutic monitoring; initial setup and patient education on use of equipment
  • 98976: Remote therapeutic monitoring; device(s) supplies for data access or data transmissions to support monitoring of respiratory system, each 30 days
  • 98977: Remote therapeutic monitoring; device(s) supplies for data access or data transmissions to support monitoring of musculoskeletal system, each 30 days
  • 98978: Remote therapeutic monitoring; device(s) supply for data access or data transmissions to support monitoring of cognitive behavioral therapy, each 30 days
  • 98980: Remote therapeutic monitoring requiring at least one interactive communication with patient or caregiver during the calendar month; first 20 minutes
  • 98981: Remote therapeutic monitoring requiring at least one interactive communication with patient; each additional 20 minutes (list separately in addition to primary procedure)

Billing considerations

Only physicians or qualified health care professionals may bill for remote monitoring services, though clinical staff may assist under supervision. RPM/RTM devices must typically meet FDA medical device standards. Billing requires data collection for at least 16 days in a 30-day period, with clearly documented time and clinical activities. Documentation must include service dates, devices used, data reviewed, time spent, treatment adjustments, patient consent (if required), and medical necessity per CPT guidelines.

Avoiding errors in remote monitoring billing

  • Meet all time and data thresholds before billing.
  • Obtain and document patient consent prior to starting services.
  • Use only qualifying devices: RPM requires FDA-defined devices with automatic transmission, while RTM may include apps but must meet standards.
  • Avoid duplicate billing; only one provider should bill per code per 30-day period (e.g., CPT 99454).
  • Do not bill RPM and RTM for the same condition concurrently.
  • Ensure billing is within scope of practice and under proper supervision.
  • Maintain accurate documentation supporting all services rendered.
  • Code only for services actually provided.
  • Use modifiers (e.g., modifier 25) only when appropriate.
  • Confirm the patient is established (post-COVID public health emergency requirement).
  • Verify payer policies and obtain preauthorization as needed.

Coding scenarios

RPM coding scenario

A 54-year-old woman with hypertension, coronary artery disease and obesity presents with snoring, witnessed apneas and daytime sleepiness. A home sleep apnea test confirms severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI 36, oxygen nadir 75%). She initiates Auto-PAP (4–20 cmH₂O) but expresses concern about tolerating treatment. RPM services are discussed, and consent is obtained.

Over the next 30 days, her PAP data is reviewed weekly. Adjustments include increasing pressure to 8 cmH₂O and extending the ramp setting based on symptoms and download data. A total of 34 minutes is spent reviewing data and managing the plan.

Appropriate CPT code: 99091 (for collection and interpretation of physiologic data requiring ≥30 minutes in a 30-day period).

RTM coding scenario

A 62-year-old man with moderate obstructive sleep apnea starts PAP therapy using a device with a companion app for self-reporting symptoms and tracking usage. Clinical staff reviews data weekly. The physician notes suboptimal use (<4 hours/night) and conducts a virtual visit to adjust mask settings and provide support.

Appropriate CPT code: 98980 (for remote therapeutic monitoring treatment management services, first 20 minutes in a calendar month, including at least one interactive communication).

Conclusion

Remote monitoring services enable proactive, personalized care outside the clinical setting, especially for chronic and sleep-related conditions. Accurate billing requires knowledge of CPT codes, documentation, data thresholds and payer policies. When used correctly, these services improve outcomes, boost engagement and support value-based care.