CPT 98975: The Launchpad for Your RTM Program
Learn how to bill CPT 98975 for Remote Therapeutic Monitoring setup. We cover current requirements, reimbursement rates, and the new 2026 “Two-Day Rule.”
The Role of RTM
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is transforming how clinicians manage musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions. By extending the plan of care beyond the clinic walls, RTM allows providers to collect non-physiological patient data, such as therapy adherence, pain levels, and functional response between visits.
This continuous loop of data enables proactive intervention, higher accountability, and better clinical outcomes. For practices looking to implement this model, CPT 98975 is the critical first step.
However, the RTM landscape is shifting. As of January 1, 2026, reimbursement, billing thresholds, and code families will change in meaningful ways, creating both opportunities and complexities for healthcare organizations. Below, we break down what CPT 98975 covers today, what is changing in 2026, and how your practice can prepare.
What is CPT 98975?
Think of this as the “activation” code for a patient’s digital episode of care. It provides reimbursement for the professional time and resources required to:
- Set up the RTM device or FDA-cleared software application (like the EMBODI app).
- Pair the device with the patient’s profile.
- Educate the patient on how to use the equipment and log their data.
Billing Frequency: This code can be billed once per episode of care.
What’s changing in 2026—and how it affects CPT 98975
For the past few years, there has been significant confusion regarding when this code becomes billable. Many organizations operated under the assumption that they had to wait for 16 days of monitoring to occur before they could bill for the initial setup, often leading to unbilled work if a patient dropped out early.
The 2026 Update: The New “Two-Day” Standard
Beginning in 2026, the CPT codebook clarifies the minimum threshold. To bill CPT 98975, you must collect at least two days of RTM data within a 30-day period.
This is a major win for scalability. By lowering the barrier to entry, CMS is confirming that RTM is not just for long-term chronic care—it is also viable for:
- Short-term rehabilitation.
- Post-surgical recovery.
- Transitional care episodes.
Case Example: Post-Op Knee Recovery
To see how this works in practice, consider a patient recovering from a Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA).
The Workflow:
- Day 0 (In Clinic): The Physical Therapist helps the patient download the EMBODI app, sets up their specific range-of-motion goals, and teaches them how to log their daily pain scores.
- Day 1 & 2 (At Home): The patient goes home and logs their exercise adherence and pain levels for two consecutive days.
- The Result: Because the patient has successfully transmitted data for two days, the clinic has met the requirement to bill CPT 98975 immediately. They do not need to wait for the full month to pass to be reimbursed for the setup and education time.
Stay Tuned: The Full 2026 Playbook is Coming in January
While the “Two-Day Rule” simplifies activation, it introduces new tracking requirements. You need to know exactly when that second day of data hits your system to ensure timely billing.
Stay tuned for our complete “2026 RTM Code Guide,” launching in January.