98985 CPT code reflects remote therapeutic monitoring for the Musculoskeletal System. The code is a part of the recent 2026 CPT update by the American Medical Association. 98985 code covers 2-15 days of device supply and data transmission within a month.
Other codes 98975 and 98981 used to reflect data transmission for a 16 days of threshold. In simple words, providers could only get the reimbursement after meeting the rule. Which created a gap between patient care and provider reimbursements.
98985 Rtm Code: Overview
Over time, remote patient monitoring has gained significance in the United States. 13.5 million remote monitoring services were billed to Medicare between 2019–2023, totaling about $664.5 million in reimbursement.
In 2026, CMS paid serious attention to the remote patient monitoring to make healthcare flexible and accessible. Earlier, the providers used to get reimbursement once the rules were met. With 98985 rtm code, experts can get the payments against 2-15 days data transmission even for less than 20 minutes in a month.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid also introduced 98984, 98985, and 99445 to increase reimbursement opportunities for a short time. In addition, there are a total of 6 new RTM codes relevant to musculoskeletal conditions.
| CPT Code | What It Covers |
| 98975 | Initial patient set-up, device onboarding, and education on how to use the remote monitoring equipment. |
| 98977 | Device supply and data transmission for musculoskeletal remote therapeutic monitoring when data is collected for 16 or more days during a 30-day period. |
| 98979 (New for 2026) | RTM treatment management services for musculoskeletal patients, covering 10–19 minutes of interactive provider time during a calendar month. |
| 98985 (New for 2026) | Device supply and data transmission for musculoskeletal RTM when monitoring data is collected for 2–15 days in a 30-day period. |
| 98980 | RTM treatment management services covering the first 20 minutes of provider time in a calendar month. |
| 98981 | Reports each additional 20 minutes of RTM treatment management services beyond the initial 20 minutes. |
When Should You Bill CPT Code 98985?
Use CPT Code 98985 when musculoskeletal RTM data is collected for 2–15 days. Bill it only when the patient meets payer requirements. The code covers device supply and data transmission. It does not include treatment management time.
Post-Operative Rehabilitation
Use the code after orthopedic surgery. Monitor recovery during the first two weeks. The device tracks therapy use and patient progress. Bill 98985 RTM code if monitoring lasts 2–15 days.
Home Exercise Monitoring
Some patients complete therapy at home. A monitoring device records exercise adherence and activity. Providers can review the transmitted data. This supports billing when all requirements are met.
Acute Injury Recovery
Patients with sprains or muscle injuries often need short monitoring periods. RTM MSK 2–15 days fits these cases well. The collected data helps track recovery outside the clinic.
Short-Term Physical Therapy
Many therapy plans last less than 16 days. Before 2026, these cases had limited billing options. CPT Code 98985 now covers qualifying short-term monitoring periods. Bill it once per 30-day period when documentation supports the service.
Billing Requirements for CPT Code 98985
Providers should meet every billing requirement before submitting CPT Code 98985. Missing documentation or incorrect billing can delay reimbursement. Review payer policies and keep complete records for every monitoring period.
Eligible Patients
Bill this code only for patients receiving remote therapeutic monitoring for musculoskeletal conditions. The patient must use an approved monitoring device at home. The service should support the patient’s treatment plan. Medical necessity must be documented in the patient’s record.
Monitoring Duration
The monitoring period must last 2–15 days within a 30-day reporting period. Count only days when the device collects and transmits data. Do not bill this code if monitoring reaches 16 or more days. Those cases follow different RTM billing rules.
Device Requirements
The monitoring device must meet payer requirements. It should collect therapeutic monitoring data and transmit that data for clinical use. The device must be supplied to the patient for remote monitoring. Keep records showing when the device was provided and activated.
Documentation Requirements
Maintain complete documentation for every billed service. Record the diagnosis, treatment plan, monitoring dates, and transmitted data. Document that the patient received the device. Keep records supporting medical necessity and the reported monitoring period. Good documentation helps support audits and reimbursement.
Frequency Limits
Bill CPT Code 98985 only once during a 30-day period for the same patient. Confirm that the reported monitoring days meet the code requirements. Avoid billing duplicate device supply codes for the same monitoring period unless payer rules allow it.
Medicare Considerations
Review current Medicare billing guidance before submitting claims. Follow all coverage, documentation, and billing requirements. Verify whether the patient’s plan accepts new remote therapeutic monitoring codes 2026.
CPT Code 98985 vs 98977
Both codes cover device supply and data transmission for musculoskeletal remote therapeutic monitoring. The main difference is the monitoring period. CPT Code 98985 applies to shorter monitoring, while 98977 is used for longer monitoring. Choosing the correct code depends on the number of monitored days during the 30-day period.
| Feature | CPT Code 98985 | CPT Code 98977 |
| Monitoring Days | 2–15 days | 16 or more days |
| New/Existing | New code for 2026 | Existing RTM code |
| Use Case | Short-term musculoskeletal monitoring | Standard monthly musculoskeletal monitoring |
| Device Supply | Yes, includes device supply and data transmission | Yes, includes device supply and data transmission |
| Best For | Patients monitored for less than 16 days | Patients monitored for 16 or more days |
CPT Code 98985 vs 98984
CPT Code 98985 and 98984 follow similar billing principles but apply to different clinical specialties. Both support remote therapeutic monitoring for 2–15 days. The key difference is the body system being monitored. Providers should select the code that matches the patient’s condition and documented treatment plan.
| Feature | CPT Code 98985 | CPT Code 98984 |
| Body System | Musculoskeletal (MSK) | Respiratory |
| Monitoring Period | 2–15 days | 2–15 days |
| RTM Category | Musculoskeletal RTM | Respiratory RTM |
| Device Supply | Includes device supply and data transmission | Includes device supply and data transmission |
| Billing Rules | Same basic RTM billing requirements | Same basic RTM billing requirements |
| Best For | RTM MSK 2–15 days monitoring | Short-term respiratory monitoring |
Conclusion
CPT Code 98985 fills an important gap in remote therapeutic monitoring billing. It allows providers to report musculoskeletal monitoring completed within 2–15 days. Correct billing depends on meeting documentation, device, and monitoring requirements. Using the right code helps reduce claim issues and supports accurate reimbursement. As payer policies continue to change, providers should stay updated with the latest billing guidance. If your practice needs help with RTM billing, documentation, or claim management, MediRemote provides expert medical billing services designed to improve compliance, reduce denials, and simplify the reimbursement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT Code 98985?
CPT Code 98985 reports device supply and data transmission for musculoskeletal remote therapeutic monitoring when data is collected for 2–15 days during a 30-day period.
Is CPT 98985 only for musculoskeletal monitoring?
Yes. This code is limited to musculoskeletal remote therapeutic monitoring. Respiratory monitoring uses different RTM codes and should not be billed under 98985.
Can CPT 98985 and 98977 be billed together?
No. Both codes report device supply for musculoskeletal RTM. Choose the code that matches the patient’s total monitoring days during the reporting period.
Can 98985 be billed with 98980?
Yes, when all billing requirements are met. 98985 covers device supply, while 98980 reports treatment management services. They represent different RTM services.
How many monitoring days are required?
CPT Code 98985 requires monitoring data for 2–15 days within a 30-day reporting period. Monitoring lasting 16 or more days follows different billing rules.
Is 98985 a new RTM code for 2026?
Yes. 98985 became effective in 2026. It was introduced to support reimbursement for qualifying musculoskeletal monitoring lasting 2–15 days.
