APTA Seeks Feedback on RTM Usage for New CPT Codes

It’s not too often that rehab therapists get to help guide the direction of big changes when it comes to coding—so when it comes around, it’s incumbent upon them to seize the opportunity.

Our friends over at APTQI have shared with us that the American Medical Association’s (AMA) CPT Editorial Panel is revising the existing remote therapeutic monitoring CPT code set that would go into effect on January 1, 2026. According to this summary of panel actions from September 2024, the AMA will be adding another code for remote therapeutic monitoring treatment management services (98XX7) in addition to revising the RTM codes already in use  (98975, 98976, 98977, 98978, 98980, 98981). 

This new RTM code will cover supply and RTM treatment management services. More specifically, it will cover gaps in current coding guidelines. At present, codes 98976 and 98977 require a minimum of 16 consecutive days of monitoring during a 30-day period; likewise, code 98980 covers the first 20 minutes of monitoring services—but requires the full 20 minutes of monitoring before it can be billed. The new codes would allow for reimbursement for fewer than 16 days of data transmissions as well as for provider work that is fewer than 20 minutes of initial RTM treatment management services.

The APTA is seeking feedback from members.  

“So, where do I come in?” I hear you asking across the digital divide. Great question! If you’ve read any of our writing on coding changes, you’ve probably heard of the Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC), which is the body that determines the Relative Value Units (RVUs) of the codes—essentially, what you’ll be paid for each code. And while you wouldn’t be blamed for assuming that this group takes a “throwing darts at a board” approach to determining values, they try to collect input and feedback from interested parties to land upon a value that makes sense. 

To that end, the APTA has sent out a survey to a random sampling of members seeking their feedback on RTM usage—namely, the time, costs, and efforts associated with their RTM usage. And the APTA and APTQI have asked us to help spread the word so that they can get as many responses as possible; after all, the more quality data that the RUC has, the more likely we’ll end up with an RVU that reflects a fair value for providers. 

So, if you’re an APTA member, make sure you’ve checked your inbox, and if it’s sitting on your to-do list, take the time to = complete it by November 11, 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to help improve what can be a valuable tool for improving patient outcomes—and a new revenue stream as well.