98984 Cpt Code reflects (RTM) Remote Therapeutic Monitoring Services. It includes musculoskeletal status, respiratory function, therapy adherence, and therapeutic response,
Before cpt code 98984, Healthcare providers were only compensated if the data transmission happened for 16 days. CMS introduced this new code to bridge the gap created by the 16-day rule.
According to the new codes, (98984. 98985) healthcare experts can get reimbursement for data transmission between 2-15 days. This guide will cover all details about 98984 rtm msk, remote therapeutic monitoring and 98984 reimbursement.
98984 Cpt Code: Overview
Remote therapeutic monitoring is a Medicare program that involves monitoring digital data of the patient. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid had introduced CPT Codes to help providers overcome the gap between patient care and reimbursement.
The 2026 Physician Fee Schedule introduced 3 new codes for RTM. Those codes (98985, 98984, 98979) eliminated the 16 day threshold and allowed providers to get reimbursement for a shorter time.
Now there are a total 8 new codes reflecting various services. Including (MSK, respiratory, cognitive behavioral), and treatment management, with reimbursement ranging from approximately $22 to $54 per code per month.
Previous CPT Code 98976 required the provider to bill this code after 16 days of service. The new code efficiently bridges the gap between the provider and reimbursements.
98984 CPT Code Breakdown
- Services included: Supply of remote therapeutic monitoring devices for data transmission. The purpose is to track the patient`s respiratory system.
- Time Duration: The time period ranges between 2-15 days within a calendar month.
- Type of Data Included: Tracking therapy adherence from patient side, response of therapy and any type of digital assistance from provider, it includes. For example he might check the record of how many times a patient has used the sensor.
Who Can Bill For RTM Codes
Eligible healthcare practitioners can assign 98984 CPT Code. These experts include
physicians,
- nurse practitioners,
- physician assistants,
- clinical nurse specialists,
- physical therapists (PTs),
- occupational therapists (OTs),
- speech-language pathologists (SLPs).
Physical therapist assistants and occupational therapy assistants can contribute in monitoring time for the codes 98980 and 98981 under the general supervision. but the de minimis (10%) standard and CQ/CO modifier rules apply to codes 98975, 98979, 98980, and 98981.
CPT 98984 Billing Requirements
Accurate billing starts with meeting every Medicare requirement for CPT code 98984. Providers should confirm patient eligibility, use a qualifying device, meet the required monitoring period, and maintain complete documentation before submitting a claim.
Eligible Patients
The patient must receive remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) for a respiratory condition that requires ongoing therapy monitoring. RTM is intended to track therapy adherence and therapy response using data collected by a qualifying medical device.
Before billing:
- The provider should establish a treatment plan.
- The RTM service must be medically necessary.
- The patient should consent to remote monitoring according to payer requirements.
- The monitoring must support the patient’s treatment and clinical decision-making.
Monitoring Period
CPT 98984 covers device supply and data transmission when respiratory monitoring data is collected for 2 to 15 days within a 30-day period.
Keep these points in mind:
- Count only the days when the device successfully records and transmits data.
- Monitoring days do not need to be consecutive.
- If monitoring reaches 16 or more days, report the appropriate RTM device supply code for that reporting period instead of CPT 98984.
- Bill only one device supply code for the same patient and monitoring period.
Device Requirements
The monitoring must use a qualifying medical device that automatically collects and transmits therapeutic monitoring data. The device should support respiratory therapy monitoring, such as tracking inhaler use or respiratory measurements when clinically appropriate.
The device should:
- Collect data without manual patient entry.
- Transmit data for provider review.
- Support therapy adherence or therapy response monitoring.
- Be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Documentation Requirements
Complete documentation helps support medical necessity and reduces the risk of claim denials.
The medical record should include:
- The patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan.
- The reason remote therapeutic monitoring was ordered.
- The type of monitoring device supplied.
- The number of monitoring days completed during the 30-day period.
- Evidence that data was transmitted and available for clinical review.
- Clinical notes showing how the monitoring information supported patient care.
Well-organized documentation allows providers to demonstrate compliance during payer reviews and supports accurate reimbursement for RTM services.Accurate reimbursement depends on correct coding, complete documentation, and compliance with Medicare billing requirements. Understanding how CPT code 98984 is paid helps providers submit cleaner claims and reduce reimbursement delays.
CPT 98984 Reimbursement
How Medicare Determines Payment
Medicare reimburses RTM services under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). CMS updates payment rates annually, while the final allowable amount varies by geographic location. Medicare also adjusts payment using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCI), making reimbursement different across regions.
Providers should verify the current fee schedule before submitting claims.
What Can Affect Reimbursement?
Payment is not based only on the CPT code. Medicare reviews whether the billed service meets coverage and documentation requirements.
Claims may receive delayed or reduced payment if documentation is incomplete, the wrong RTM code is reported, or billing requirements are not met. Accurate coding and clear medical records improve the chances of successful reimbursement.
Medicare vs Commercial Payers
Many commercial insurers recognize RTM services, but their payment policies may differ from Medicare. Some follow CMS guidance closely, while others apply their own documentation standards or coverage rules.
Practices should confirm payer requirements before billing RTM services. This step helps prevent unexpected denials and payment delays.
Improving Reimbursement Success
A consistent billing process supports faster claim processing and fewer denials. Providers should review documentation before claim submission and ensure the reported RTM code matches the completed monitoring period. Regular coding audits also help identify billing errors before claims reach the payer.
2026 RTM Payment Updates
The Remote Therapeutic Monitoring 2026 updates introduced new device supply codes for shorter monitoring periods. Providers should review the latest CMS guidance each year because reimbursement policies, coding instructions, and payment rates may change.
CPT 98984 vs 98977
Choosing the correct code depends on the number of monitoring days completed during the 30-day reporting period. CPT code 98984 applies to shorter respiratory monitoring, while CPT 98977 is reported after meeting the longer monitoring requirement. Reporting the correct code helps support accurate reimbursement and reduces the risk of claim denials.
| Feature | CPT 98984 | CPT 98977 |
| Monitoring period | 2–15 days | 16–30 days |
| Category | Respiratory RTM | Respiratory RTM |
| Service | Device supply and data transmission | Device supply and data transmission |
| Reporting period | Once per 30 days | Once per 30 days |
| Purpose | Short-duration monitoring | Standard monthly monitoring |
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring Changes in 2026
The Remote Therapeutic Monitoring 2026 update added new RTM codes for shorter monitoring periods. Before 2026, providers usually needed 16 monitoring days to bill RTM device supply codes like 98977.
CMS introduced CPT code 98984 for respiratory monitoring completed over 2 to 15 days during a 30-day period.
This gives providers a billing option when monitoring ends before reaching 16 days. CMS also added a similar code for musculoskeletal monitoring. These changes help providers report the correct code based on the actual monitoring days and receive reimbursement for covered RTM services.
Common Billing Mistakes to Avoid
Billing errors can delay reimbursement and increase claim denials. Before reporting CPT code 98984, providers should confirm the required monitoring days, documentation, and billing rules. Small coding mistakes cause payment delays, even when the RTM service was provided correctly.
- Reporting the Wrong CPT Code: Billing 98984 after 16 or more monitoring days can result in claim denials. Always report the RTM code that matches the completed monitoring period.
- Counting Invalid Monitoring Days: Count only the days when the device successfully collected and transmitted monitoring data. Failed transmission days should not be included.
- Incomplete Documentation: Medical records should support medical necessity, identify the monitoring device, and document the completed monitoring days for the reporting period.
- Ignoring Payer Requirements: Medicare and commercial payers may have different billing requirements. Always verify current payer policies before submitting RTM claims.
- Missing Annual CMS Updates: RTM coding rules can change each year. Reviewing the latest CMS guidance helps practices stay compliant and avoid billing errors.
Conclusion
Before CPT code 98984, providers usually could not bill for respiratory RTM device supply if monitoring lasted less than 16 days. With this new code, they can now bill for 2 to 15 monitoring days. This helps providers receive reimbursement for services that previously could not be billed.
Using the correct code, keeping complete documentation, and following the latest CMS billing rules can help reduce claim denials and support accurate reimbursement.
If your practice needs help with RTM coding, documentation, or claim submission, MediRemote is here to help. Our medical billing team helps providers submit accurate claims, stay compliant, and improve reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 98984?
CPT 98984 reports respiratory RTM device supply and data transmission for 2 to 15 monitoring days within a 30-day reporting period.
How many monitoring days are required for CPT 98984?
The code requires 2 to 15 successful monitoring days during a 30-day period. Monitoring days do not need to be consecutive.
What is the difference between CPT 98984 and 98977?
CPT 98984 covers 2–15 monitoring days, while CPT 98977 applies when respiratory monitoring reaches 16–30 days within the reporting period.
Can CPT 98984 and 98977 be billed together?
No. Both codes represent the same device supply period. Only the code matching the completed monitoring days should be reported.
Does CPT 98984 include treatment management?
No. CPT 98984 covers only device supply and data transmission. Clinical treatment management is reported using separate RTM management codes.
When did CPT 98984 become effective?
CMS added CPT 98984 for services provided on or after January 1, 2026, expanding RTM billing for shorter respiratory monitoring periods.