Exploring Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) and Its Advantages for PT Clinics

This article attempts to explain the concept of remote physical therapy monitoring and its rising importance in a post-pandemic world. It briefly discusses the difference between Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM), and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), and highlights the role of CMS in advancing RTM through new reimbursement codes.

The role of remote physical therapy has gained newfound significance for its unparalleled convenience and timely advice, especially in our post-pandemic world where timely medical treatment is more crucial than ever. While the value of hands-on care remains clear, healthcare—particularly physical therapy—is evolving with cutting-edge software and technology. 

With a strong embrace of virtual services—accelerated by the 2023 Medicare updates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)—the expansion of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) presents physical therapy clinics with opportunities to enhance patient care, increase intake, and generate additional revenue. As we continue to adopt remote appointments and treatments, understanding the significance of RTM is vital for the future success of PT clinics.

What is RTM?

RTM is an innovative approach that allows physical therapists to monitor and engage with patients outside the clinic, leveraging medical devices, apps, and online platforms. This method gathers non-physiological data, enabling therapists to track patient progress remotely and offer guidance based on real-time feedback.

For example, imagine a patient undergoing therapy for back pain. They can track their progress through a designated RTM app. If they report increased pain, the therapist can adjust their treatment plan remotely, enhancing flexibility and responsiveness.

RTM is growing in popularity, especially following CMS updates that make it more accessible and reimbursable. This shift opens doors for practices to offer care beyond the clinic, allowing for more billable hours and improved patient outcomes.

RTM vs. RPM: Key Difference

When comparing Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), it's essential to understand their distinct focuses. While RPM concentrates on collecting and analyzing physiological data—like blood sugar levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation—RTM is designed to enhance treatment effectiveness and improve patient outcomes through targeted therapeutic interventions. 

The Role of CMS in Promoting RTM

No significant shift occurs without the involvement of a governing body. In this case, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has played a pivotal role in making RTM a norm in the healthcare landscape.

Significance of CMS for RTM

In November 2022, CMS introduced new rules for Medicare services in 2023 concerning remote therapeutic monitoring, reflecting its commitment to patient-centered care. The introduction of five new CPT codes for RTM signifies a broader scope of reimbursable digital healthcare applications, moving beyond physiological metrics to include patient-reported data via Software as a Medical Device (SaMD).

Key RTM CPT Codes

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The Benefits of Offering RTM Services

RTM provides numerous advantages for both therapists and patients:

1. New Revenue Streams: With the added RTM codes, physical therapists can increase their billable services, compensating for the recent Medicare cuts. RTM allows clinics to treat patients remotely, boosting overall revenue.
2. Flexible Treatment Options: Remote care is not just a pandemic response; it’s a lasting solution. For patients with busy schedules, RTM offers the flexibility of receiving treatment from the comfort of their homes, even when travelling or unable to visit the clinic.
3. Enhanced Patient Care: RTM allows therapists to offer real-time responses to patients’ concerns, providing consistent care without the need for frequent in-clinic visits. This leads to faster progress and improved patient satisfaction.
4. Increased Accountability: RTM apps allow therapists to track patient activity and progress, ensuring that exercises are being performed as prescribed. This boosts patient accountability and motivation.
5. More Billable Hours: With RTM, therapists can log interactions and time spent on remote care, allowing clinics to bill for services provided outside of the physical setting.
6. Affordable Care Options: RTM makes physical therapy more accessible, offering patients cost-effective and convenient alternatives to in-person care.

Implementing RTM in your Clinic

Here is a scenario that will give you an understanding of RTM: 

Sara Jennings, managing five physical therapy clinics, implemented Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) to enhance care and boost revenue. After selecting an RTM platform that integrated smoothly with her EMR system, she trained a dedicated staff member to handle remote monitoring. This freed up therapists for in-person care while still supporting patients remotely. Within three months, 50% of patients adopted RTM, leading to improved patient satisfaction and a 20% increase in clinic revenue.

If you’re considering adding RTM to your practice, here are some essential steps to ensure a successful rollout:

1. Gather Staff and Patient Feedback: Understand what your staff needs for smooth implementation and what your patients expect from remote care.
2. Select a User-Friendly Platform: Choose an app that’s easy for both patients and therapists to use, reducing friction and increasing adoption.
3. Consider Language Options: If your clinic serves a diverse population, make sure the platform supports multiple languages.
4. Evaluate Device Requirements: Assess whether you’ll need special wearables or if a mobile app will suffice for most of your patients.
5. Ensure Transparency: Use RTM tools that provide clear documentation of patient interactions, making it easy to track and bill for services.
6. Integrate with Billing: Work with your billing team to align your RTM strategy with your current revenue model, ensuring a smooth process.
7. Market Your RTM Services: Once you’re set up, spread the word to patients about your new service offerings, emphasizing the convenience and flexibility of RTM.

Recognizing that scheduling and transportation challenges can hinder care, SPRY PT's Remote Therapeutic Monitoring system is designed to enhance patient outcomes while boosting clinic revenue. Here’s how SPRY's RTM system can benefit your practice:

SPRY RTM System

Remote Assessments with Advanced AI Technology

SPRY provides a scalable solution utilizing cutting-edge AI vision technology for remote assessments. Patients can engage with over 4,500 personalized exercises, receive e-monitored exercise sessions, and undergo pain and mobility testing, all with high accuracy in the range of motion, endurance, and strength assessments.

Enhanced Patient Care and Data Collection

SPRY's RTM system facilitates precise data collection, increased patient engagement, and improved communication with patients who may have mobility issues. Automated treatment plans tailored to individual needs are generated, providing fully shareable assessment reports.

Detailed and Accurate Self-Assessments

The SPRY assessment process includes structured self-assessments backed by clinical data, offering accurate measurements of symptoms and challenges. Patients receive feedback and measurable data tracking their progress, enabling therapists to adapt treatment plans effectively.

Boosting Accountability and Adherence to Home Exercise Programs (HEPs)

The SPRY RTM system fosters accountability and adherence to HEPs, allowing therapists to monitor patients’ progress and ensure prescribed activities are performed correctly and timely. This leads to higher rates of treatment completion, fewer cancellations, and enhanced patient satisfaction.

Patient-Centered Rehabilitation

By empowering patients to take ownership of their health, SPRY RTM fosters a patient-centered approach to rehabilitation, which enhances compliance and satisfaction while providing tangible value for PTs in a competitive marketplace.

Embrace the Future of Care with SPRY

The rapid evolution of the healthcare landscape, particularly in physical therapy, underscores the importance of embracing Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM). As clinics adapt to the expanding opportunities presented by RTM, they can significantly enhance patient care, increase intake, and drive additional revenue. By leveraging innovative technologies, such as the SPRY RTM System, practices can offer a more flexible, patient-centered approach that meets the demands of today’s healthcare environment.

To learn more about how the SPRY RTM System can transform your practice and help you stay ahead in the ever-changing world of physical therapy, visit the SPRY blog for insights, tips, and best practices.

Book a demo today.

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