Beginning January 1, 2026, CMS introduced two new CPT codes expanding how rehab therapy practices can bill for Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM). These updates, part of the 2026 CMS Final Rule, make RTM more flexible and financially rewarding for rehab therapy providers.Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)
There are now eight CPT® codes used by providers for RTM, six of which are relevant to musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. The RTM CPT codes are broken down into two basic types: service codes and treatment management codes.
In this blog, we'll explore RTM CPT Code 98981, highlighting its focus on patient monitoring as well as the billing and documentation requirements for 2026.
Remote therapeutic monitoring treatment management services, physician/other qualified health care professional time in a calendar month requiring at least one interactive communication with the patient/caregiver during the calendar month; each additional 20 minutes.
Interactive Communication for RTM can include a phone call or two-way audiovisual communication. Any communication tools should be evaluated for HIPAA compliance. Text messaging and e-mail do not qualify.
The 2026 CMS Final Rule introduced new codes that provide greater flexibility in billing for RTM treatment management services. Here's how 98981 fits into the updated billing structure:
Billing Note: Bill 98980 (20+ minutes) as the base code, then add 98981 for each additional 20 minutes. Do not bill 98979 and 98980 together for the same patient in the same calendar month—once 20 minutes is reached, bill 98980 only.
Treatment Management Code
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the CPT® codes for RTM can be billed by "physicians and other eligible qualified healthcare professionals." This includes the following clinicians:
The 2026 CMS Final Rule continues to support General Supervision rules that allow Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists in private practice to provide general supervision for RTM services furnished by their PTAs and OTAs, respectively. This supports RTM management services to be performed outside of the clinic, which is instrumental to providing comprehensive at-home support for patients.
Only one practitioner can bill RTM treatment management CPT codes (98979, 98980, and 98981) in a calendar month, even if the patient has been provided multiple medical devices from multiple practitioners.
In all cases, providers must practice in accordance with applicable state and scope of practice laws.
If CPT codes 98979, 98980, and/or 98981 are provided in whole or in part by a physical therapist assistant (PTA) or an occupational therapy assistant (COTA), you will need to append the CQ or CO modifier respectively to those codes on the claim form. The CQ or CO modifier does not apply to the device supply codes.
RTM CPT code 98981 may be billed after the reporting of 98980, at the end of the calendar month.
In the 2026 Final Rule, CMS clarified the 16-day data requirement does NOT apply to RTM treatment and management services (98979, 98980, 98981)
A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) dedicates time to analyzing and interpreting the patient's submitted data, both subjective and objective. Throughout the month, the PTA communicates with the patient via texts and emails to address questions about their home exercise program, and provides written updates to the in-clinic therapist. The PTA also conducts a phone call with the patient—which serves as the required interactive communication. The total time spent on these activities in this calendar month was 45 minutes. The provider is able to bill CPT Code 98980 for the first 20 minutes, plus CPT Code 98981 for the additional 20 minutes (45 total minutes qualifies for both codes).
Created alongside clinicians and experts in billing and compliance, Limber Health's RTM Billing and Coding Guide offers an in-depth look at all of the Remote Therapeutic Monitoring CPT codes, best practices for billing and documentation, and answers your frequently asked questions. Click the button below to download your free copy of the guide.
The information provided here about the Remote Therapeutic Monitoring CPT Codes is for informational purposes only and does not constitute billing or legal advice.
