The 98978 CPT Code supports Remote Therapeutic Monitoring Behavioral Health services. It helps providers monitor patients between office visits using an eligible medical device. Instead of tracking vital signs, this code focuses on therapy response, symptom changes, and treatment adherence.
Many behavioral health practices now use RTM mental health billing to improve patient care. Continuous monitoring helps providers identify problems early and adjust treatment plans faster.
This guide explains the 98978 CPT Code, billing requirements, documentation, 98978 RTM CBT, reimbursement, and common billing mistakes.
What Is 98978 CPT Code?
The 98978 CPT Code is part of the Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) family. It covers the monthly supply of an eligible medical device used for behavioral health monitoring. The device collects and transmits patient-reported therapeutic data to the healthcare provider.
Unlike Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), RTM measures treatment response instead of vital signs such as blood pressure or glucose levels. Providers use the collected information to check patient adherence and current health status.
How Does 98978 Work?
In 2024, about 19% (1 in 5) U.S. adults reported they had been diagnosed with a depression disorder at some point in their lives. These stats indicate a strong need for behavioural health treatment has become critical.
The 98978 CPT Code follows a structured monitoring process. Providers first determine whether RTM is medically necessary. The patient then receives an eligible monitoring device or digital platform.
During the monitoring period, the patient records treatment-related information from home. The provider reviews this data regularly to evaluate progress and identify changes.
The typical workflow includes:
- Evaluate the patient’s condition.
- Set up the RTM device.
- Collect daily therapeutic data.
- Review patient reports.
- Update the treatment plan.
- Bill the service after meeting payer requirements.
Providers may monitor:
- Mood changes
- Anxiety levels
- Sleep quality
- Therapy participation
- Medication adherence
- Behavioral symptoms
This continuous process supports better clinical decisions and improves RTM mental health billing compliance. Moreover, it allows providers to get timely reimbursement.
98978 RTM CBT
98978 RTM CBT combines Remote Therapeutic Monitoring with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT teaches patients to change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Progress depends on daily practice outside therapy sessions.
RTM helps providers monitor that progress between visits.
Patients may record:
- Daily mood scores
- Stress levels
- Sleep quality
- Therapy homework
- Coping skill practice
- Emotional triggers
The provider reviews this information to measure treatment response. If symptoms worsen, the care plan can be adjusted sooner.
Example
A patient receives CBT for anxiety. Each day, and reports mood, sleep, and completed therapy exercises through an RTM platform.
After reviewing the reports, the psychiatrist notices increased anxiety before workdays. The provider updates the treatment plan and adds stress-management exercises. This decision is based on real patient data instead of memory alone.
Using Remote Therapeutic Monitoring Behavioral Health with CBT improves patient engagement and supports better treatment decisions.
Who Can Bill 98978 CPT Code?
The 98978 CPT Code can be billed by qualified healthcare professionals who meet payer requirements. Eligibility depends on the provider’s license, scope of practice, and insurance policy.
Before billing, providers should:
- Confirm medical necessity.
- Use an eligible RTM device.
- Document patient participation.
- Review collected therapeutic data.
- Follow payer billing rules.
| Provider | Billing Eligibility |
| Physician (MD/DO) | Yes |
| Psychiatrist | Yes |
| Nurse Practitioner | Yes |
| Physician Assistant | Yes |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | Yes |
| Psychologist | Depends on payer |
Accurate documentation reduces claim denials and supports compliant RTM mental health billing.
RTM Mental Health Billing Requirements
Providers should meet all payer requirements before billing the 98978 CPT Code. Proper billing and coding begins with medical necessity and complete documentation. Missing records or incorrect device use may lead to claim denials.
Follow these steps for compliant RTM mental health billing:
- Confirm the patient has a qualifying behavioral health condition.
- Document why remote monitoring is medically necessary.
- Use an eligible RTM medical device.
- Educate the patient on proper device use.
- Monitor and review patient-reported therapeutic data.
- Maintain complete records for each billing period.
- Follow Medicare and commercial payer guidelines.
Meeting these requirements helps providers support accurate reimbursement while maintaining compliance.
Documentation Requirements
Good documentation is essential when billing the 98978 CPT Code. Every medical record should clearly show why RTM services were provided and their outcomes.
Include the following information:
| Documentation | Purpose |
| Patient diagnosis | Supports medical necessity |
| Treatment plan | Explains monitoring goals |
| Device information | Confirms eligible RTM device |
| Monitoring dates | Verifies the billing period |
| Patient-reported data | Shows treatment progress |
| Provider review | Supports clinical decisions |
| Care plan changes | Demonstrates ongoing management |
Clear documentation helps justify the service and reduces the risk of audits or denied claims.
98978 Reimbursement
98978 reimbursement varies by payer, geographic location, and provider contracts. Medicare updates payment rates through the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, while commercial insurers may use different reimbursement amounts.
Before submitting claims, providers should verify current payment policies with each payer. They should also review annual Medicare updates because reimbursement rates may change.
Accurate coding, complete documentation, and compliance with billing guidelines improve the likelihood of successful reimbursement.
Common Billing Mistakes
Many claim denials happen because of overlooking simple billing rules.. Providers can reduce these errors by following payer guidelines and maintaining complete records.
Common mistakes include:
- Missing medical necessity documentation.
- Using a non-qualified monitoring device.
- Incomplete patient records.
- Billing without meeting payer requirements.
- Failing to review patient data.
- Incorrect code selection.
- Missing monitoring dates.
Regular documentation reviews help improve billing accuracy.
Best Practices
Following best practices improves both patient care and billing compliance.
Healthcare providers should:
- Verify patient eligibility before starting RTM.
- Explain the monitoring process clearly.
- Encourage consistent patient participation.
- Review therapeutic reports regularly.
- Update treatment plans when needed.
- Maintain detailed clinical documentation.
- Stay informed about payer policy changes.
These habits strengthen Remote Therapeutic Monitoring Behavioral Health programs and support long-term success.
Conclusion
The 98978 CPT Code plays an important role in modern behavioral healthcare. It allows providers to monitor treatment progress between visits, improve patient engagement, and make informed decisions. Success with RTM mental health billing depends on proper documentation, medical necessity, and compliance with payer requirements.
Healthcare organizations that follow these guidelines can improve care quality while reducing billing errors. MediRemote helps providers simplify Remote Therapeutic Monitoring workflows, strengthen documentation, and support compliant RTM billing for better patient outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 98978 CPT Code?
The 98978 CPT Code covers the monthly supply of an eligible RTM device used for Remote Therapeutic Monitoring Behavioral Health services.
Can psychologists bill 98978?
Some psychologists may bill 98978 CPT Code, depending on payer policies and state regulations. Providers should verify billing eligibility before submitting claims.
Does Medicare reimburse 98978?
Yes. Medicare may reimburse the 98978 CPT Code when all coverage, documentation, and billing requirements are satisfied.
Can 98978 be billed every month?
Yes. The code is generally billed once for each eligible 30-day monitoring period when payer requirements are met.
Is CBT included with 98978?
98978 RTM CBT supports monitoring during Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The code covers therapeutic monitoring, not the therapy session itself.
