What is Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)?
Remote Patient Monitoring uses connected devices (blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, pulse oximeters, etc.) to collect patient health data outside of traditional care settings. That data is transmitted to care teams who review it and intervene when needed. RPM reduces hospitalizations, improves patient outcomes, and generates significant new revenue for participating practices.
How do practices get reimbursed for RPM?
CMS (Medicare) reimburses RPM through specific CPT codes. The primary codes are: 99453 (device setup), 99454 (monthly device supply/transmission, ~$53/month), 99457 (20 min clinical staff time, ~$49/month), and 99458 (additional 20 min, ~$39/month). A practice with 100 enrolled RPM patients can generate $120,000–$180,000 in additional annual revenue.
What conditions can be monitored with RPM?
RPM is approved for chronic conditions including hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, COPD, obesity, and more. Any patient with a chronic condition requiring regular monitoring is a potential RPM candidate. In large primary care practices, this can represent 30–60% of the patient panel.
Do patients need to pay for RPM?
For Medicare patients, RPM is covered with no additional cost-sharing beyond their normal Medicare cost-sharing (Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance). Most Medicare Supplement plans cover the patient's remaining liability. Commercial insurers are increasingly covering RPM as well.
What is RemoteCareToday and how does it work?
RemoteCareToday (
www.RemoteCareToday.com) is our RPM partner program. They provide the devices, monitoring platform, clinical support staff, and billing support — the practice provides the patients and physician oversight. This turnkey model allows clinics to launch RPM without technology investment or additional staff hiring.
How long does it take to launch an RPM program?
With RemoteCareToday's turnkey model, most practices can launch in 30–60 days. The process includes enrollment of staff, patient identification and consent, device procurement, EHR integration, and staff training.
What is the clinical staff requirement for RPM billing?
CPT 99457 and 99458 (the monthly time-based codes) require at least 20 minutes of interactive communication between clinical staff (RN, MA, or physician) and the patient per month. RemoteCareToday's platform tracks time automatically and flags patients approaching billing thresholds.
Is RPM only for Medicare patients?
No — while Medicare is the largest payer for RPM, commercial insurers and Medicaid programs in many states also reimburse RPM. RemoteCareToday can verify coverage for your specific payer mix and help you maximize reimbursements across all insurance types.
What about patient consent and HIPAA?
Patients must provide written informed consent before enrollment in an RPM program. All data transmission must comply with HIPAA regulations. RemoteCareToday's platform is fully HIPAA-compliant with BAA agreements in place. We handle all compliance documentation.