CPT 98977 in 2026 MSK device supply for 16 to 30 days

Use 98977 to report RTM device supply for musculoskeletal monitoring when a patient generates 16 to 30 monitoring days within a 30-day period. This page covers requirements, documentation, and how 98977 fits with 98975, 98985, 98979, 98980, and 98981.

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Quick facts

Updated for 2026

Use caseMSK RTM device supply for 16 to 30 monitoring days in a 30-day period

Minimum thresholdAt least 16 monitoring days in the period

FrequencyOnce per 30-day period when requirements are met

Not billed with98985 for the same patient in the same 30-day period

Who can billPhysicians and other qualified health care professionals. When furnished by therapists, services follow therapy billing rules and modifiers when applicable

Therapy modifiersWhen billed as therapy, use GP, GO, or GN under a therapy plan of care. Add CQ or CO when required by payer policy for assistant involvement

Selection rule

16 to 30 daysChoose 98977

2 to 15 daysChoose 98985

0 to 1 dayDo not bill a device supply code for the period

Bill based on the final monitoring day count for the 30-day window and keep the period dates clean.

Always confirm payer and MAC guidance for your state, setting, billing entity, and patient plan.

What you need

An RTM system used for musculoskeletal therapeutic monitoring
A defined 30-day monitoring period with a start date and end date
At least 16 distinct monitoring days within that 30-day window
One device supply claim for the period with correct code selection based on day count

Practical tip: If you have strong engagement, 98977 is usually the device supply code that fits most months.

Documentation checklist

RTM system used and MSK purpose tied to the plan of care
The 30-day period start date and end date
A report showing the distinct monitoring days counted in the period
Rendering clinician and any modifiers used when applicable

Make the day count obvious. If an auditor cannot quickly confirm dates and days, you increase denial risk.

How 98977 fits with other RTM codes

98975

One-time onboarding that starts the episode and sets the patient up for RTM tracking.

98985

Same category as 98977, used when the monitoring day count is 2 to 15 for the 30-day period.

98979

Short-form monthly management time. Useful when time adds up but does not reach the 98980 threshold.

98980

Core monthly management time code. Use when the patient requires more hands-on oversight during the month.

98981

Add-on monthly management time after 98980 when additional time is provided in the same month.

RTM guide

End-to-end workflow, including enrollment, documentation, and billing best practices.

98977 is the device supply portion of RTM for high-engagement months. Management codes capture separate clinical work when applicable.

Common scenarios

Patient clears 16 days

The patient logs activity and symptoms consistently. The month-end report shows 22 distinct monitoring days in the 30-day window. Bill 98977 for that period.

Patient lands in the 2 to 15 range

The patient is enrolled but engagement is lighter. The report shows 9 distinct monitoring days. Bill 98985 for that period, not 98977.

Borderline month

A patient ends the period at 15 days. Do not bill 98977. Consider outreach and workflow changes to push engagement over 16 days in the next 30-day window.

Transfer or discharge mid-window

A patient transfers care during a 30-day period. Keep the period dates clean and retain a report showing the final day count. Confirm payer policy for billing in partial periods.

Compliance note

Orva has signed the APTA Digital Transparency Pledge. Coding guidance here is educational and does not guarantee coverage or payment. Confirm payer policy and MAC guidance for your state, setting, billing entity, and patient plan.

Make RTM simple for your therapists

Track monitoring days automatically and generate clear reports that support accurate billing.

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