| RPM | RTM | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of data | Physiologic (blood pressure, weight, oxygen saturation, etc.) | Non-physiological therapeutic data (musculoskeletal/respiratory status, adherence, self-reported) |
| Established patient required? | Yes, currently | No, currently (CY2027 proposal would add this) |
| Device/software | Connected medical device transmitting physiologic data | Connected device and/or self-reported data related to treatment |
| Billing structure | Setup, device supply, treatment management (99453/99454/99457/99458) | Setup, device supply, treatment management (98975/98976 or 98977/98980/98981) |
| Can be billed with the other? | No — not concurrently with RTM for the same patient | No — not concurrently with RPM for the same patient |
Type of Data
Per CMS, remote physiologic monitoring (RPM) involves physiologic metrics such as oxygen saturation, blood pressure, blood sugar or blood oxygen levels, and weight. RTM captures non-physiological data, which can be self-reported, related to a therapeutic treatment — including musculoskeletal or respiratory system status, and treatment adherence or response.
Device/Software Requirements
Both require a connected medical device that transmits the patient's information. RTM's data can include self-reported entries related to therapeutic treatment, in addition to device-transmitted data.
Physiologic vs Therapeutic Monitoring Concept
RPM monitors physiologic signals directly (e.g., a blood pressure cuff reading). RTM monitors therapeutic response and adherence — for example, how a patient's musculoskeletal condition is responding to a treatment plan, or respiratory system status.
Patient Conditions
RPM applies to acute or chronic conditions generally. RTM's current published code categories focus on musculoskeletal and respiratory system status and treatment adherence/response.
Billing Structure
Both follow a similar three-part structure (setup, device supply, treatment management), but under different code sets — see our RPM Codes and RTM code summaries in our RTM guide.
Treatment Management Requirements
Both RPM and RTM treatment-management codes require monthly qualifying time plus at least one interactive communication with the patient or caregiver.
Staff Involvement
Under current rules, auxiliary personnel can perform both RPM and RTM under the billing practitioner's general supervision. A CY2027 CMS proposal (not yet finalized) would restrict this to direct employees for both.
Established Patient Requirement — a Key Current Difference
Can They Be Billed Together?
No — current CMS guidance doesn't allow billing remote physiologic monitoring and RTM together for the same patient in the same period.
Typical Use Cases
RPM commonly fits patients whose care benefits from tracking a physiologic vital sign trend (blood pressure, weight, oxygen saturation). RTM commonly fits patients in a therapeutic treatment program (e.g., physical therapy adherence, respiratory therapy response) where the relevant data is about treatment response rather than a raw physiologic reading.
Examples
RPM example: a patient with hypertension using a connected blood pressure cuff that transmits daily readings. RTM example: a patient in a musculoskeletal therapy program using an app that tracks exercise adherence and self-reported pain levels.