RTM Solutions Explained: From Musculoskeletal to Behavioral Health Applications

 

RTM Solutions Explained: From Musculoskeletal to Behavioral Health Applications

Introduction

As healthcare moves toward digital-first models, Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is emerging as the missing link between telehealth, chronic care, and patient engagement. Unlike Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), which measures physiological data such as blood pressure or glucose, RTM focuses on non-physiological parameters — movement, adherence, and pain perception — that shape recovery.

The expansion of RTM CPT codes (98975-98978) by CMS has created new pathways for providers to be reimbursed for digital follow-up care. This article explains how RTM solutions are being applied across musculoskeletal, respiratory, and behavioral health domains — and how unified platforms like HealthArc make them scalable.

What Are RTM Solutions?

RTM solutions are software-driven platforms that enable providers to track patient adherence, symptoms, and progress remotely. They are typically used in therapy-based specialties where patient engagement directly affects outcomes — such as orthopedics, pulmonary care, neurology, and behavioral health.

Modern RTM systems combine:

  • Patient-facing apps to record pain, activity, or medication adherence

  • Provider dashboards to review progress and intervene early

  • Automated billing for CPT 98975–98981

  • Alerts for deviations or non-compliance

See how HealthArc combines these features in its Remote Therapeutic Monitoring solution.

1. RTM in Musculoskeletal Care

Musculoskeletal (MSK) therapy — including post-surgery rehab and chronic pain — is one of RTM’s biggest success stories.

RTM platforms can:

  • Track daily exercise completion via wearable sensors or app input

  • Record pain levels and mobility changes

  • Alert clinicians when adherence drops or pain scores increase

According to CMS.gov, MSK RTM codes (98975–98977) are reimbursable when used to collect data digitally and engage the patient throughout therapy.

Also read: A Complete Guide to Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) Billing Codes.

2. RTM in Respiratory and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

For patients with COPD, asthma, or post-COVID lung conditions, RTM provides a structured digital follow-up.

Providers can:

  • Track inhaler use frequency

  • Monitor reported shortness of breath or cough severity

  • Reinforce care plans via secure messaging

This digital model complements traditional RPM programs for vitals tracking (like SpO₂ or heart rate). When combined, RTM + RPM delivers a 360° view of pulmonary health — improving adherence and reducing hospital readmissions.

Learn more in Remote Patient Monitoring for Respiratory & Pulmonary Diseases.

3. RTM in Behavioral and Mental Health

Behavioral health is one of RTM’s fastest-growing applications. By tracking metrics such as sleep, mood, and digital activity, RTM platforms help providers personalize therapy and detect early warning signs.

How it works:

  • Patients log symptoms (e.g., anxiety levels, focus, sleep patterns).

  • Clinicians receive reports and can schedule timely telehealth follow-ups.

  • CPT 98980/98981 covers 20+ minutes of interactive management per month.

When paired with Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) or Behavioral Health Integration (BHI), RTM enables a more continuous, measurable approach to mental-health support.

See related HealthArc post: Behavioral Health Integration CPT Codes for Billing.

4. Choosing the Right RTM Software

Selecting the right platform involves evaluating both clinical capabilities and administrative automation. Key considerations:

  • EHR Integration: Prevent data silos and reduce manual entry.

  • Multi-Specialty Support: Ensure flexibility across MSK, respiratory, and behavioral care.

  • HIPAA Compliance: Must adhere to HHS Security Rules.

  • Analytics: Track patient engagement and outcomes for value-based care.

You can explore these features in depth in Top 10 Features of Best Remote Patient Monitoring Software.

5. ROI and Reimbursement Potential

RTM solutions are among the few digital-health services with direct Medicare reimbursement. Depending on engagement and patient volume, providers can generate $50–$120 per patient per month through compliant RTM billing.

Integrated software reduces manual documentation, supports auto-billing, and ensures compliance — leading to measurable ROI within a few billing cycles.

Explore related financial insights in Remote Patient Monitoring Pricing Models for Providers.

U.S. Government Resources

For regulatory guidance and telehealth updates:

  • CMS.gov – RTM CPT codes and reimbursement policies.

  • Telehealth.HHS.gov – official U.S. government resource for virtual care, digital devices, and coverage policies.

Why HealthArc?

HealthArc’s RTM solution bridges clinical care and technology, supporting:

  • Musculoskeletal, respiratory, and behavioral health programs

  • Unified dashboards for RPM + RTM

  • Automated documentation for CPT 98975-98981

  • Real-time analytics and ROI tracking

Providers can deploy RTM independently or within HealthArc’s broader Care Management Suite, ensuring flexibility, compliance, and profitability.

Learn more about HealthArc’s Remote Therapeutic Monitoring platform and request a demo today.

Conclusion

RTM has moved from being an optional add-on to a core pillar of digital healthcare delivery. Whether managing chronic pain, respiratory recovery, or behavioral health, the right RTM solution ensures better outcomes and predictable ROI.

Clinicians can stay compliant with CMS.gov updates, follow Telehealth.HHS.gov for federal policy guidance, and explore HealthArc.io for software built to simplify RTM implementation in 2025 and beyond.

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