Summary & Overview
CPT 98979: Remote Therapeutic Monitoring Management
CPT code 98979 represents remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) management: a billing code for clinicians who review RTM data and provide at least one real‑time interactive communication with the patient or caregiver in a month, with a minimum of 10 minutes of physician or qualified healthcare professional time. Nationally, this code reflects the growing integration of digital health tools into chronic condition management and rehabilitation, enabling care teams to make data‑driven treatment adjustments between in‑person visits.
Key payers addressed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of what the code covers, common use cases in outpatient and virtual care settings, and the clinical context for remote therapeutic monitoring. The publication also outlines how payers commonly position the service line and summarizes benchmark and policy topics relevant to billing compliance and coverage — where available.
This summary is designed for clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts seeking a national perspective on CPT code 98979, including scope of service, typical sites of delivery, and the practical implications of integrating RTM management into care workflows. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable in subsequent sections.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 98979 describes management of treatment using data from remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM). The service requires at least one real–time interactive communication with the patient or caregiver during the month and at least 10 minutes of physician or qualified healthcare professional time. This code captures ongoing remote management of therapeutic data collected from the patient to guide and adjust treatment.
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Service type: Remote therapeutic monitoring management
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory or outpatient care delivered remotely (telehealth/virtual care)
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old patient with chronic low back pain secondary to lumbar degenerative disc disease is enrolled in a remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) program. The clinician configures an RTM platform to collect patient-reported pain scores, activity metrics, and device-recorded therapeutic home exercises. During the month the clinician reviews the RTM data, documents trend interpretation, adjusts the home exercise program, and conducts at least one real-time interactive communication (phone or video) with the patient that lasts sufficiently long to contribute to clinical management. The provider documents at least 10 minutes of physician or qualified healthcare professional time managing the RTM data and interacting with the patient, and bills the service as 98979 for that month. The typical workflow includes device/data setup, periodic remote monitoring of transmitted metrics, asynchronous review with documentation, and a synchronous encounter (telephonic or video) to modify treatment or reinforce adherence.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
25 | Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician on the day of a procedure | When an E/M visit is performed on the same day as another procedure and meets documentation requirements |