RTM is designed for the management of patients using medical devices that collect non-physiological data. Data around indicators such as therapy/medication adherence, therapy/medication response, and pain level can be collected and billed under the new RTM codes. Under these codes, CMS recognizes “therapeutic” data—not just “physiologic” data—as an important category of patient information that can be assessed remotely. This differs from RPM codes, which can only be used in conjunction with tracking physiologic data (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels).
RTM codes could be available for physical therapists (PT), occupational therapists (OT), speech-language pathologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical social workers. In the final rule, CMS stated the primary billers of RTM codes are projected to be physiatrists, nurse practitioners, and physical therapists. The new RTM codes, classified as general medicine codes, should open up opportunities for therapists, psychologists, and other eligible practitioners who cannot currently bill for RPM (as RPM is an E/M code).
Read the full article on the 2022 Medicare RTM Updates by Foley & Lardner LLP here.
If you are curious how your patients and practice could benefit from these updated codes reach out to RMMS today.
