The Benefits of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring

With Remote Therapeutic Monitoring devices, patients are able to both automatically record and report health data to their care team.

What is remote therapeutic monitoring?

Remote therapeutic monitoring is a service-providing system concerned with tracking the non-physiological data of patients. It allows doctors and medical professionals to monitor patients’ health conditions. It also allows medical professionals and clinics to connect with their patients via digital technology and online tools.

As noted above, it is primarily concerned with monitoring the musculoskeletal system and the respiratory system. However, it also allows service providers to monitor their patients' adherence to therapy and monitor medication. The system collects non-physiologic therapeutic data, including the following:

• Pain levels
• Adherence to therapy
• Adherence to medications

Using Remote Therapeutic Monitoring devices, patients are able to both automatically record and report health data to their care team. This then allows for more effective care strategies and delivery. It also allows for more effective patient management using digital medical devices. These devices collect and transmit data to the patient's healthcare provider.

Recommended course: Telehealth for Physical and Occupational Therapy

How does it differ from remote patient monitoring?

Remote patient monitoring is a subcategory of homecare telehealth. It allows patients to use technology and mobile medical devices to collect patient-generated health data. This data is then sent to patients' healthcare providers.

Some examples of the physiological data that can be collected include:

• Blood pressure
• Vital signs
• Heart rate
• Weight
• Oxygen levels
• Temperature
• Blood glucose levels

Collected patient data is sent to their healthcare provider using software that can be installed on devices such as tablets, smartphones, and computers.

As noted above, remote therapeutic monitoring captures and reports on non-physiological patient data. When partnered with remote patient monitoring, it allows healthcare providers to evaluate patients' health and determine effective care strategies.

What are the benefits?

Above, we have highlighted some of the uses of remote therapeutic monitoring and, by extension, some of the primary benefits. These benefits are for both the patient and their healthcare provider. Now, let's take a closer look at some of the advantages of using a remote therapeutic monitoring system.

For one, remote therapeutic monitoring enables insights into patient satisfaction levels and therapy adherence. It also results in improved patient outcomes. This is true both for functional ability and in terms of pain levels.

It allows for increased patient engagement and rapport with their healthcare provider and increased motivation. It also allows for increased patient participation and, therefore, a greater understanding of the nature of their condition. Through this, patients are able to be more independent in terms of self-management of their chronic condition.

Thanks to a greater focus on data-driven decision-making, there is less chance of adverse outcomes because of a healthcare provider's actions. Remote therapeutic monitoring also allows for a potential reduction in costs on the healthcare system, as well as a lower burden, as patients receive more proactive care.

Remote therapeutic monitoring also increases access to care. This is especially true in underserved populations. Millions of Americans live in areas where there is limited access to the physical healthcare they need, something which is addressed by systems such as these.

Let's summarize these main benefits here:

• Higher patient engagement
• Greater quality in care
• Increased access to healthcare services
• Reduction in medical costs
• Improved patient outcomes

There are benefits to both patients and healthcare providers with remote therapeutic monitoring.

Understanding physical therapy CPT codes

In 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services introduced a number of codes that offer excellent reimbursement chances for physical therapists. These new codes include:

RTM CPT Code 98975

This concerns providing initial information to patients about the utility of applications and services.

RTM CPT Code 98977

This concerns providing devices and tools to patients with musculoskeletal health issues. This code must be reported every month and the reporting comprises daily routine schedules and transmission alerts.

RTM CPT Code 98980

This concerns treatment management services for remote therapeutic monitoring. Healthcare providers, such as physiotherapists, are supposed to spend 20 minutes with a patient once per month.

RTM CPT Code 98981

This concerns treatment management services. It specifically refers to 20 additional minutes of additional interactions.

Improving patient outcomes

Remote therapeutic monitoring has many benefits to patients and healthcare providers. It serves to improve patient outcomes and ensure a greater quality of care. It also increases access to healthcare, reduces costs, and improves patient engagement.