Remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) allows providers to track non-physiological data from medical devices and observe patient responses to prescribed therapies outside traditional clinical settings. This article answers the question of what is remote therapeutic monitoring, how it differs from remote patient monitoring (RPM), the types of conditions it covers, Medicare billing details, and the role of Tenovi’s RTM solutions.
What is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring?
To better understand the question, what is remote therapeutic monitoring? We will review how it encompasses collecting and analyzing non-physiological data related to musculoskeletal and respiratory therapy adherence and response. With RTM, physicians can monitor medication adherence and therapy progress for musculoskeletal and respiratory disorders, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.
Unlike RPM, which focuses on vital signs and physiological data, RTM tracks therapeutic data such as medication adherence, device usage, pain levels, and therapy adherence. Not all health insurance plans cover remote therapeutic monitoring, but Medicare does. RTM primarily focuses on the following two categories of conditions.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Conditions
In exploring what is remote therapeutic monitoring, it’s important to understand that it can track therapy progress and medication adherence for MSK conditions. Remote therapeutic monitoring can track therapy progress and medication adherence for conditions including:
- Arthritis
- Chronic joint pain
- Back and neck conditions
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Chronic pain management
Respiratory Conditions
Remote therapeutic monitoring devices collect data on a patient’s respiratory system. For example, a peak flow meter measures forced expiratory volume (FEV) and can be used to manage conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). RTM supports monitoring of:
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Bronchitis
- Other chronic respiratory conditions
Medicare Coverage and Billing for RTM
What is remote therapeutic monitoring Medicare coverage? Medicare offers coverage under specific CPT codes for qualified providers, ensuring that RTM services are both accessible and reimbursable. Physicians and qualified healthcare professionals can order and bill for RTM services under the following specific CPT codes.
- CPT 98976: Respiratory monitoring device supply
- CPT 98977: Musculoskeletal monitoring device supply
- CPT 98980: First 20 minutes of RTM treatment management services
- CPT 98981: Each additional 20 minutes of RTM treatment management services
RTM for Medication Adherence
Medication adherence remains a challenge in healthcare management. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 50% of patients with chronic conditions don’t take their medications as prescribed. This non-adherence can lead to increased hospitalizations, poor health outcomes, higher healthcare costs, and disease progression.
Tenovi currently offers three comprehensive RTM solutions designed to improve medication adherence and patient outcomes. Tenovi RTM and RPM devices can all be connected to one cellular gateway, enabling value-based quality care at home that manages care costs and drives new revenue.
The Tenovi Pillbox System
The Tenovi Pillbox is used for multi-medication adherence tracking. It enables precise tracking of medication adherence for both MSK and respiratory conditions. The Tenovi Pill Box offers the following features.
- Cellular connectivity for automatic data transmission
- Integration with care management platforms
- Visual LED reminders (red in the morning, green after medication is taken)
- Seamless API integration
PatchRx for Critical Medication Monitoring
Tenovi’s ecosystem also includes PatchRx Smart Pill Bottle Cap for critical medication monitoring. The PatchRx, the smart, universally-fitting pill bottle cap, allows patients to track one or two critical medications.
It monitors both opening and closing events. With integrated APIs for alerts and reminders, plus visual reminders via the Tenovi Gateway Gateway. PatchRx maximizes reimbursement for RTM services under CPT 98976, 98977, and 98980.
Adherium Advanced Inhaler Adherence for Respiratory Care
Adherium Hailie® Sensors track medication usage to reduce the number of asthma and COPD attacks. With five next-generation, FDA-cleared sensors covering the 10 most common inhaled medications, these inhalers drive better outcomes and reduce costs. Adherium estimates a potential 40% cost reduction (~$1,500) per asthma patient annually, offering a $17 billion savings opportunity in U.S. healthcare.
*Adherium clinical outcomes mapped against cost drivers to estimate cost savings per patient for uncontrolled patients
Understanding the Question — What is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring?
For detailed information about compatible medications and implementation, you can download the following resources.
- Tenovi Pill Box Medication Compatibility List
- Tenovi Complete RTM Medication Adherence Solutions Overview
Remote therapeutic monitoring provides healthcare providers with effective tools to track and improve patient adherence while qualifying for appropriate reimbursement. Tenovi’s comprehensive RTM solutions help bridge the gap between providers and patients, supporting better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Schedule a consultation with a Tenovi expert today.
