In rural communities, independent pharmacists are often the unsung healthcare heroes, serving as accessible points of contact, and sometimes the only, ones for patients navigating complex medication regimens. With the introduction of pharmacy medication adherence programs through remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM), pharmacists can enhance patient care and be reimbursed for the diligent work they’re already doing.
In this article, we explain how RTM, coupled with medication adherence tracking tools, can help improve medication adherence adherence in independent pharmacy settings.
Pharmacy Medication Adherence Programs for Rural Areas
Managing chronic conditions in rural areas is a big challenge in healthcare. Limited access to healthcare facilities means patients lean heavily on their local pharmacists. Engaging patients in patients following medication regimens is still one of the biggest challenges that drive poor health outcomes and unnecessary hospital visits.
Medication adherence is a cornerstone of effective treatment. According to the World Health Organization, improving adherence can have a greater impact on outcomes than the treatment itself. In the U.S., medication nonadherence contributes to 50% of treatment failures, 125,000 deaths, and 25% of hospitalizations each year.
These numbers are exactly why pharmacy medication adherence programs are becoming mission-critical in the world of value-based care.
Research Reinforces the Need for Structured Adherence Support
Research shows that some pharmacists are undergoing several days of training on how to work with patients on medication adherence with manual tools. This further supports the value of pharmacy medication adherence programs paired with RTM. By using objective, passive medication management tools, pharmacists can document adherence consistently, intervene earlier, and qualify for Medicare reimbursement.
A 2025 systematic review published in the International Journal for Equity in Health found that pharmacist-led interventions, especially when delivered in collaboration with community health workers, can positively impact medication adherence among patients managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and COPD. Three of the studies showed improvements, and highlights that many pharmacists are already playing a critical role in supporting adherence. But many are doing it without structured tools, formal programs, or sustainable reimbursement pathways.
Smart Tools Supporting Pharmacy Medication Adherence Programs
Remote therapeutic monitoring gives healthcare providers the ability to monitor patients’ medication adherence remotely. Medicare reimburses for remote therapeutic medication adherence programs for musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions. Through FDA-cleared medical devices, pharmacists can collect non-physiological data like medication usage patterns, pill compartment opening, and refilling events and step in when things go off track.
It’s proactive. It’s scalable. And it puts pharmacists in a position to get paid for improving adherence.
Adherium Hailie® Sensors: Inhaler Monitoring Made Simple
Hailie® Sensors attach directly to a patient’s inhaler to passively track usage, technique, and timing for commonly prescribed inhaled medications. This data is transmitted in real-time to providers, offering visibility into adherence for patients who may not have regular access to respiratory specialists—especially in rural areas.
Adherium reports that its sensors can reduce healthcare costs by up to 40% per asthma patient annually (an estimated $1,500 per patient), potentially saving the U.S. healthcare system $17 billion.
Hailie® Sensors Features
- Automatic Detection: Tracks usage and technique for the most common inhaled medications.
- Automatic Transmission: Securely transmits data in real-time to the Tenovi Cloud platform.
- Extensive Coverage: Supports eight FDA-cleared, next-generation sensors compatible with leading inhalers.
- Clinically Proven Impact: Demonstrated a 180% increase in medication adherence and an 80% reduction in hospital admissions among pediatric patients.
PatchRx: Adherence Tracking for Oral and Controlled Medications
PatchRx delivers smart, passive tracking for patients’ prescribed oral medications and controlled substances like opioids. The system uses a Bluetooth-enabled smart pill bottle cap with a universal fit for standard pharmacy vials. Every time the cap is opened, it logs the event and automatically sends the data to the care team—no patient interaction is needed.
PatchRx Features
- Automatic Dose Tracking: Captures each bottle opening, providing an accurate, dose-level adherence record.
- Seamless Integration: Fits easily into existing pharmacy workflows and connects with EHR systems.
- Controlled Substance Monitoring: Adds accountability for opioid prescriptions and helps reduce misuse or diversion.
- Patient Engagement: Optional push notifications and SMS reminders support consistent medication use.
PatchRx empowers independent pharmacists to monitor adherence in real-time, particularly for high-risk or complex patient populations. It’s a game-changer for rural pharmacies managing patients without consistent follow-up care.
Tenovi Pillbox: Low-Tech, High-Impact Adherence Monitoring
The Tenovi Pillbox is purpose-built for pharmacy medication adherence programs. Designed to resemble a familiar 7-day AM/PM pill organizer, it blends easily into patients’ routines—making it ideal for older adults and anyone hesitant to adopt new technology.
Tenovi Pillbox Features
- Automatic Detection: Built-in sensors track when compartments are opened or refilled, delivering real-time adherence data.
- Cellular Connectivity: Transmits data via the Tenovi Cellular Gateway—no apps, Wi-Fi, or syncing required.
- Visual Reminders: Light-based cues gently prompt patients when it’s time to take their medications.
By using the Tenovi Pillbox, pharmacists can remotely monitor adherence, identify issues early, and take timely action—all without adding friction for the patient.
How Does Reimbursement Work for Pharmacy Medication Adherence Programs?
RTM services are reimbursable under Medicare using the following specific 2025 CPT codes.
- 98975: Initial setup and patient education.
- 98976: Device supply for respiratory monitoring devices.
- 98977: Device supply for Musculoskeletal monitoring devices.
- 98980: First 20 minutes of time spent managing treatment and reviewing data.
- 98981: For each additional 20 minutes of time spent managing treatment and reviewing data.
To qualify for reimbursement, at least 16 days of data must be collected within 30 days. With passive, connected tools like the Tenovi Pillbox, much of that data collection happens in the background, without adding extra work for patients or staff.
It is also important to note that pharmacists must operate under a collaborative practice agreement with a qualified health professional. With this structure, pharmacists deliver RTM services under general supervision and are eligible for compensation based on the agreement terms.
For many independent pharmacies already supporting adherence, implementing pharmacy medication adherence programs with RTM simply formalizes the process and opens the door to appropriate reimbursement.
Implementing RTM in Independent Pharmacies
Below are 4 easy steps to follow to begin integrating pharmacy medication adherence programs into a pharmacy workflow.
- Choose the Right Devices: Devices that are accurate, are easy to set up, and offer customer support for patients and pharmacy teams.
- Train Your Team: Make sure staff understand how the devices work and how to interpret the data.
- Educate Patients: Communicate how these tools help them, not just you.
- Understand Billing: Understand RTM CPT codes and the documentation needed to streamline reimbursement.
Understanding Pharmacy Medication Adherence Programs
Implementing pharmacy medication adherence programs powered by RTM isn’t just good for business, it’s good for the community. Independent pharmacists can now be proactive in managing adherence, support better outcomes, and receive fair compensation for their efforts. If you’d like to learn more about setiing up or scaling your RPM or RTM program, book a demo with a Tenovi RTM expert today.
