Remote Therapeutic Monitoring 2026 Updates Explained
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed new Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) codes for 2026. These updates expand access, increase flexibility, and create additional reimbursement opportunities for physical therapy and orthopedic clinics.
If you use RTM today, these changes matter. If you haven’t adopted it yet, 2026 makes it easier than ever to start.
Quick summary of the 2026 RTM code changes
New device code for patients with fewer than 16 days of data
New management code for 10–19 minutes of RTM time
Existing codes remain in place (CPT 98975, 98977, 98980, 98981)
Lower reimbursement values for new codes, but added flexibility
Effective January 1, 2026
What RTM is and why CMS is expanding it
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) allows providers to bill for monitoring patient progress outside the clinic, capturing data such as exercise completion or symptom check-ins. Since the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services introduced RTM codes in 2022, clinics have gained a new revenue stream while improving patient engagement between visits.
CMS is now broadening the program. By creating codes for partial engagement and shorter interactions, CMS is signaling that RTM is here to stay—and it wants more patients included.
New device code for fewer than 16 days of data
Today, clinics can only bill CPT 98977 (device supply) if a patient records at least 16 days of data in a 30-day period. That threshold excludes patients who engage consistently but fall short of 16 days.
The new 2026 code allows billing even when patients record fewer than 16 days of data. For example, if a patient logs 12 days of activity, clinics can still capture reimbursement where today they would receive nothing.
New management code for 10–19 minutes of time
Currently, providers can bill CPT 98980 only after delivering at least 20 minutes of RTM management in a month. This leaves out shorter but meaningful touchpoints.
The new 2026 code creates reimbursement for 10–19 minutes of time. For example, two five-minute check-ins would now qualify as billable.
What the payment values might look like
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has not yet finalized reimbursement rates. Early analysis suggests the new codes will mirror the structure of existing RTM codes, just at reduced values:
| Code | Current Requirement | 2025 Avg Payment | 2026 Update | Expected Payment Range* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98977 | Device supply, ≥16 days | ~$64 | New code for <16 days | ~$30–$40 |
| 98980 | First 20 min RTM mgmt | ~$48 | New code for 10–19 min | ~$20–$30 |
*Estimates based on relative value comparisons. Final rates will be confirmed in November 2025.
What stays the same
All existing RTM codes remain valid. Clinics can continue billing CPT 98975, 98977, 98980, and 98981 exactly as before. The new codes simply add flexibility, helping clinics capture reimbursement even when patients or providers do not meet traditional thresholds.
Compliance will matter more than ever
With new codes comes new scrutiny. Payers will expect clear, defensible documentation. The top three areas to get right:
Engagement logs that show patient activity
Time documentation tied back to the therapeutic plan of care
Qualified provider notes confirming RTM delivery and supervision when applicable
This is the number one area where clinics risk denials under the new codes. Orva captures all of this automatically in the background, keeping your team compliant without adding charting burden.
Key dates to know
September 12, 2025 Public comment period closes
Early November 2025 Final 2026 Physician Fee Schedule expected
January 1, 2026 New RTM codes take effect
The bigger picture
These updates confirm that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services views Remote Therapeutic Monitoring as a permanent part of musculoskeletal care. By reimbursing shorter interactions and lower engagement levels, CMS is making RTM accessible to more patients—not just the most consistent ones.
It also reflects CMS’s broader move toward digital care models like RTM and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM). Reimbursement will continue to expand for technology-enabled care.
For clinics, the message is clear: RTM is not experimental. It is becoming a standard of care and a major source of new revenue.
Frequently asked questions
Can clinics still bill existing RTM codes in 2026?
Yes. All current codes remain in place. The new codes add options for partial engagement or shorter management time.
When do the new RTM codes take effect?
January 1, 2026.
Will reimbursement values be lower?
Yes. The new codes will be valued below existing device and management codes. Final rates will be published in the final rule in November 2025.
Does this mean RTM is here to stay?
Yes. By expanding the program, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is confirming its long-term commitment to RTM as part of outpatient care.
Next steps for clinics
These changes create new reimbursement opportunities, but they also raise the bar on compliance. Clinics that prepare now will be ready to capture every eligible dollar on day one of 2026.
Orva is built for this moment. Our platform keeps documentation compliant, billing straightforward, and patients engaged.
Get ahead of the 2026 RTM rules—see how Orva can help your clinic maximize reimbursement.