Updated for 2026. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) both allow healthcare teams to monitor patients outside traditional office visits, but they are not the same Medicare service.
The biggest difference is the type of information being monitored. RPM focuses primarily on physiologic data such as blood pressure, weight, oxygen saturation, or glucose. RTM focuses on non-physiologic therapeutic data, including treatment adherence, treatment response, and information related to areas such as the musculoskeletal or respiratory systems.
Medicare also uses different CPT code families for RPM and RTM, and several important RTM codes changed or were added for 2026.
RPM vs RTM at a Glance
FeatureRPMRTMFull nameRemote Physiologic MonitoringRemote Therapeutic MonitoringMain data typePhysiologic dataNon-physiologic therapeutic dataExamplesBlood pressure, weight, oxygen saturation, glucoseTherapy adherence, therapy response, respiratory or musculoskeletal statusPatient-reported informationRPM relies on electronically collected and automatically transmitted physiologic data for its device componentRTM data can include self-reported information under applicable requirementsSetup code99453989752026 shorter monitoring pathway9944598984 / 98985 for specified systemsTraditional longer device pathway9945498976 / 98977 for specified systems2026 shorter treatment-management pathway9947098979Can RPM and RTM be billed together?CMS states RPM and RTM should not be billed concurrently for the same patient
What Is Remote Patient Monitoring?
CMS describes RPM as remote monitoring of physiologic health information using a connected medical device.
A patient collects measurements outside the traditional clinical setting, and the device electronically and automatically transmits the information to the healthcare provider.
Examples of RPM data include:
- Blood pressure
- Weight
- Blood glucose
- Blood oxygen or oxygen saturation
- Other medically necessary physiologic measurements
The healthcare team then reviews the information and uses it to help manage the patient's acute or chronic condition.
What Is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring?
CMS describes RTM as monitoring non-physiologic data related to therapeutic treatment.
RTM can include information about:
- Therapy adherence
- Therapy response
- Respiratory-system status
- Musculoskeletal-system status
- Digital therapeutic interventions
CMS also notes that RTM data may include information that is self-reported by the patient.
This difference makes RTM useful when the clinical question is less about a physiologic measurement and more about whether and how a patient is following or responding to treatment.
The Biggest Difference: Physiologic vs Therapeutic Data
RPM Example
A patient with hypertension uses an internet-connected blood-pressure cuff. Blood-pressure readings are automatically transmitted to the practice, where the care team reviews trends and manages treatment.
RTM Example
A patient undergoing treatment for a musculoskeletal condition uses an RTM system to report therapy adherence, symptoms, functional response, and other treatment-related information.
The first example centers on a physiologic measurement. The second centers on therapeutic progress and treatment response.
2026 RPM CPT Codes
CodeGeneral Purpose99453Initial RPM device setup and patient education994452026 RPM device-supply pathway for 2-15 days during a 30-day period99454RPM device-supply pathway for the longer monitoring period under the current code requirements994702026 RPM treatment-management pathway beginning with the first 10 minutes under applicable requirements99457RPM treatment management for the traditional first 20-minute pathway99458Additional RPM treatment-management time
2026 RTM CPT Codes
CMS implemented several important RTM changes beginning January 1, 2026.
CodeGeneral Purpose98975Initial RTM setup and patient education98984Respiratory-system RTM device supply for 2-15 days in a 30-day period98985Musculoskeletal-system RTM device supply for 2-15 days in a 30-day period98976Respiratory-system RTM device supply for 16-30 days in a 30-day period98977Musculoskeletal-system RTM device supply for 16-30 days in a 30-day period989792026 RTM treatment management, first 10 minutes, including required real-time interactive communication98980RTM treatment management under the first 20-minute pathway98981Additional RTM treatment-management time
What Changed for RTM in 2026?
CMS's 2026 therapy update added three important RTM CPT codes:
- 98979 for the first 10 minutes of qualifying RTM treatment management
- 98984 for respiratory-system monitoring over 2-15 days in a 30-day period
- 98985 for musculoskeletal-system monitoring over 2-15 days in a 30-day period
CMS also revised CPT 98976 and 98977 so that these codes now correspond to 16-30 days of device use within the 30-day period for their respective monitoring categories.
This creates shorter and longer RTM monitoring pathways similar to the broader 2026 expansion of remote-monitoring coding.
What Is CPT 98979?
CPT 98979 is new for 2026.
CMS describes it as an RTM treatment-management service involving physician or other qualified healthcare professional time during a calendar month and requiring at least one real-time interactive communication with the patient or caregiver.
The code represents the first 10 minutes under its applicable requirements.
This gives practices a shorter-duration RTM treatment-management pathway for patients who need meaningful management but do not meet the traditional 20-minute pathway.
CPT 98979 vs 98980
Feature9897998980Treatment-management pathwayShorter 2026 pathwayTraditional pathwayInitial time10 minutes20 minutesReal-time interactive communicationRequired under code requirementsRequired under applicable RTM requirementsEffectiveNew for 2026Existing RTM code
Practices should apply the current CPT instructions when determining the appropriate treatment-management code and should not report overlapping base services for the same work.
CPT 98984 vs 98976
Both codes relate to respiratory-system RTM, but they represent different monitoring durations.
CodeMonitoring Period989842-15 days in a 30-day period9897616-30 days in a 30-day period
CPT 98985 vs 98977
Both codes relate to musculoskeletal-system RTM.
CodeMonitoring Period989852-15 days in a 30-day period9897716-30 days in a 30-day period
RPM Requires Automatically Transmitted Physiologic Data
CMS describes RPM as using an internet-connected medical device that digitally collects and automatically transmits physiologic information.
For example, a connected blood-pressure cuff may automatically send readings to an RPM platform without the patient manually typing each measurement into a portal.
This automated physiologic-data requirement is an important distinction from RTM.
Can RTM Use Patient-Reported Data?
Yes. CMS states that RTM captures non-physiologic data that can be self-reported.
Examples might include information about:
- Whether prescribed therapy was completed
- Response to an exercise program
- Respiratory therapy adherence
- Musculoskeletal symptoms
- Treatment response
The applicable RTM technology, device, CPT requirements, and medical necessity must still be supported.
Who Can Bill RPM?
RPM is commonly furnished under the responsibility of physicians and qualified non-physician practitioners when Medicare requirements are met.
Applicable treatment-management services may involve qualifying clinical staff under Medicare supervision rules.
Practices should verify practitioner eligibility, staffing, supervision, and state scope-of-practice requirements before implementation.
Who Can Furnish RTM?
RTM is particularly relevant to treatment environments such as respiratory and musculoskeletal care.
CMS also designates multiple RTM codes as services that may sometimes be considered therapy services.
For 2026, CMS specifically added 98979, 98984, and 98985 to its therapy-code framework and retained relevant existing RTM codes.
When RTM is furnished by physical therapists, occupational therapists, or speech-language pathologists, applicable therapy plan-of-care, modifier, supervision, and billing requirements must be followed.
RPM Example: Hypertension
A patient with uncontrolled hypertension uses a connected blood-pressure cuff.
The device automatically sends blood-pressure readings to the practice.
The healthcare team reviews trends, communicates with the patient about elevated readings, and uses the information to support treatment management.
This is a typical RPM use case because the monitored information is physiologic.
RTM Example: Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
A patient undergoing treatment for a musculoskeletal condition uses an RTM application and connected therapeutic technology.
The practice monitors:
- Therapy adherence
- Response to prescribed exercises
- Symptoms
- Functional progress
The clinician reviews the therapeutic information and communicates with the patient regarding treatment progress.
This is more consistent with RTM because the primary focus is therapeutic status and response rather than physiologic measurements such as blood pressure.
RTM Example: Respiratory Therapy
A patient receiving respiratory treatment may use RTM technology to support monitoring of:
- Therapy adherence
- Respiratory treatment response
- Use of prescribed therapeutic interventions
- Other qualifying respiratory-system information
Depending on the documented number of monitoring days in 2026, the practice may evaluate the appropriate respiratory RTM device-supply pathway.
Can RPM and RTM Be Billed Together?
No. CMS states that practitioners may bill either RPM or RTM, but not both concurrently for the same patient.
A practice should therefore determine which monitoring family accurately reflects the service being furnished.
Common Mistake
A patient uses a connected physiologic device under RPM while the practice also attempts to report RTM for essentially the same remote-monitoring period.
This creates an RPM/RTM concurrent-billing conflict.
Can RPM Be Billed With CCM?
Yes. CMS allows RPM to be furnished concurrently with Chronic Care Management when the requirements of both services are independently met.
However, the same time and effort should not be counted twice.
Can RTM Be Billed With CCM?
CMS similarly permits RTM to operate concurrently with CCM when applicable requirements are independently satisfied.
Again, the same care-management minutes should not be duplicated across time-based services.
RPM vs RTM Documentation
The medical record should make clear why the practice selected RPM or RTM.
RPM Documentation May Include
- Condition being monitored
- Medical necessity
- Physiologic parameter
- Connected device
- Automatic transmissions
- Monitoring dates
- Review of physiologic trends
- Treatment-management communication
RTM Documentation May Include
- Condition or therapeutic treatment being monitored
- Medical necessity
- Therapy adherence
- Therapy response
- Respiratory or musculoskeletal status when applicable
- Device or digital therapeutic information
- Monitoring dates
- Interactive communication
- Treatment-management actions
How to Decide Between RPM and RTM
Start with the type of information required to manage the patient.
Clinical NeedService to EvaluateBlood-pressure monitoringRPMWeight monitoringRPMOxygen-saturation monitoringRPMGlucose physiologic monitoring under applicable requirementsRPMMusculoskeletal therapy adherenceRTMMusculoskeletal treatment responseRTMRespiratory therapy adherenceRTMTherapeutic response informationRTM
The choice should be driven by medical necessity and the actual service provided rather than which code produces higher reimbursement.
2026 Shorter Monitoring Pathways
A major 2026 development is the addition of shorter-duration monitoring options.
For RPM, CPT 99445 provides a pathway associated with 2-15 days of qualifying monitoring during a 30-day period.
For RTM, CPT 98984 and 98985 provide corresponding 2-15 day pathways for respiratory and musculoskeletal monitoring.
This can be useful when clinically appropriate monitoring does not require the longer 16-30 day device-supply period.
2026 Shorter Treatment-Management Codes
Another major 2026 change is the creation of shorter treatment-management pathways.
RPM gained CPT 99470, while RTM gained CPT 98979.
These codes allow practices to evaluate shorter documented management periods when their individual requirements are satisfied rather than assuming every patient must meet the traditional 20-minute pathway.
Real-Time Interactive Communication
RTM treatment-management codes include an interactive communication component with the patient or caregiver.
For the new 2026 CPT 98979, CMS's therapy update specifically identifies a requirement for at least one real-time interactive communication with the patient or caregiver during the calendar month.
Practices should document:
- Date of communication
- Patient or caregiver involved
- Clinical issue discussed
- Therapeutic data reviewed
- Action taken
Do Not Select RPM or RTM Based Only on the Device
The physical device or software alone does not determine the correct code family.
Consider:
- What data is being collected?
- Is it physiologic or therapeutic?
- How is the information transmitted?
- What condition is being managed?
- How is the clinician using the information?
- Which code-specific requirements are satisfied?
These questions provide a stronger basis for determining whether RPM or RTM applies.
Common RPM vs RTM Billing Mistakes
1. Billing RPM and RTM Together
CMS states that the two remote-monitoring families should not be billed concurrently for the same patient.
2. Using RPM for Therapeutic Data Without Physiologic Monitoring
RPM centers on physiologic information collected through qualifying connected medical devices.
3. Assuming RTM Requires the Same Physiologic Data as RPM
RTM focuses on non-physiologic therapeutic information and can include self-reported data.
4. Using the Wrong 2026 Device-Supply Code
Practices should distinguish shorter 2-15 day pathways from longer 16-30 day pathways where applicable.
5. Ignoring the New 10-Minute Treatment-Management Codes
2026 introduced shorter treatment-management options for both RPM and RTM. Billing teams should use the current CPT structure rather than outdated 2025 assumptions.
6. Missing Interactive Communication
Applicable treatment-management codes require interactive patient or caregiver communication.
7. Double Counting CCM Time
RPM or RTM may be furnished concurrently with CCM when permitted, but the same minutes should not be counted toward more than one time-based service.
RPM vs RTM Pre-Billing Checklist
- Identify whether the monitored information is physiologic or therapeutic.
- Document medical necessity.
- Verify the applicable practitioner and patient requirements.
- Document patient consent when required.
- Verify the device and technology requirements.
- Document setup and education when applicable.
- Track qualifying monitoring days.
- Select the correct 2-15 or 16-30 day pathway when applicable.
- Document treatment-management time.
- Document required real-time interactive communication.
- Identify who performed each service.
- Do not bill RPM and RTM concurrently for the same patient.
- Check for duplicate time with CCM and other care-management services.
- Review therapy plan-of-care and modifier requirements when RTM is furnished as therapy.
- Verify current CMS, CPT, MAC, and payer instructions before billing.
How ChronicSync Can Help
Remote-monitoring programs become difficult to manage when device information, therapeutic data, patient communications, monitoring days, and care-management activities are spread across multiple systems.
ChronicSync helps practices organize remote-monitoring and chronic-care workflows, maintain structured patient documentation, and improve visibility across monitoring activity and longitudinal care.
Clear separation between RPM, RTM, and CCM activity can also help billing teams identify potential duplicate services before claims are submitted.
Start your ChronicSync Free Pilot and explore a more organized approach to Remote Patient Monitoring and Chronic Care Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RPM and RTM?
RPM focuses on physiologic data such as blood pressure, weight, oxygen saturation, or glucose. RTM focuses on non-physiologic therapeutic information such as treatment adherence, treatment response, respiratory status, or musculoskeletal status.
Can RTM data be self-reported?
Yes. CMS states that RTM captures non-physiologic information that can include self-reported therapeutic data.
Can RPM and RTM be billed together?
No. CMS states that practitioners may bill either RPM or RTM concurrently with certain other care-management services, but RPM and RTM should not be billed concurrently for the same patient.
What are the new RTM codes for 2026?
CMS added CPT 98979 for a first 10-minute RTM treatment-management pathway, CPT 98984 for 2-15 days of respiratory-system monitoring, and CPT 98985 for 2-15 days of musculoskeletal-system monitoring beginning in 2026.
What happened to CPT 98976 and 98977 in 2026?
CMS revised these codes to represent 16-30 days of device use during a 30-day period for respiratory-system and musculoskeletal-system RTM, respectively.
Can RTM be billed with CCM?
RTM may be furnished concurrently with CCM when the requirements for each service are met and the same time and effort are not counted twice.
Can physical therapists provide RTM?
CMS designates multiple RTM codes as sometimes therapy services. When therapists furnish RTM, applicable Medicare therapy plan-of-care, supervision, modifier, and billing requirements must be followed.
Sources
- CMS Medicare Learning Network: Telehealth & Remote Monitoring
- CMS: Therapy Services — 2026 Updates
- CMS MLN Matters MM14250: Therapy Code List 2026 Annual Update
- CMS: Remote Patient Monitoring
This article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, coding, reimbursement, compliance, or billing advice. CPT, CMS, Medicare Administrative Contractor, therapy, and payer requirements may change. Verify the current code set and applicable payer requirements before submitting claims.