Or, asked another way - Is finally getting paid for something you are likely already doing (so you can have more time to commit) a good idea?
If you’ve never heard of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM), you’re not alone—and no, it’s not just tech jargon. RTM is a newer, therapist-friendly way to support your clients between sessions while also getting paid for the work you're already doing, like checking in on home programs or answering follow-up questions. It’s actually simple, practical, and surprisingly accessible for all kinds of OT practices.
Spoiler alert: Yes, it’s worth it. And it might be more accessible—and more profitable—than you think, especially since you are likely doing all the work required to be successful already.
What Is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring, Anyway?
RTM is a newer category of remote care (created in 2022 and EXPANDING in 2026!) that allows occupational therapists (and physical therapists too!) to monitor certain aspects of a client’s care outside the treatment session. In short, money (reimbursement) for delivering technology and/or time with patients between visits.
The key difference between RTM and traditional remote patient monitoring (RPM) is this:
- RTM tracks non-physiological data—things like adherence to home exercise programs, pain levels, mobility, and function.
- It’s designed specifically with therapists in mind, not just doctors or nurses.
Using a digital platform (like SaRA Health), you can check in with your clients, send reminders or education, track their feedback, and bill for the time you spend monitoring and responding to that information.
Why Is RTM Helpful?
Surprise, surprise clients don’t always do their home programs (even I am not a perfect patient). Or follow your recommendations for changes in their routines to better their health. Life gets busy, motivation dips, and without ongoing support, consistency can easily fade.
RTM helps with:
- Accountability: Clients are more likely to follow through when they know you’re keeping tabs (in a supportive way!)
- Engagement: Regular check-ins keep your relationship warm and active between sessions
- Outcomes: You can intervene early if things aren’t going well instead of waiting until the next appointment. You can also maximize a limited number of visits by spacing them out but being able to easily engage and move therapy forward between sessions
- Client Retention: A client who feels supported outside the clinic is more likely to stick with their plan of care
Is It Billable?
Yes! 🙌 RTM is a set of billable CPT codes that were created specifically for therapists under Medicare, and many commercial payers are jumping on board too.
Here are a few basics:
- You can bill for both device setup and ongoing monitoring
- To qualify you need at least 16 days of monitoring per 30-day period to use the monthly billable codes
- You must document at least 20 minutes of interactive time per month spent reviewing client data and communicating with the client (messages, calls, feedback, check-ins all count)
That time doesn’t have to be all in one sitting—and if you’re using a digital platform, the system helps track and document everything for you. Easy peasy.
What If My Clients Aren’t Tech Savvy?
Here’s where things get even better: RTM with the right platform doesn’t require a smartphone or high-speed Wi-Fi.
- Clients can receive daily check-ins via text, no app download needed
- It works on flip phones, as long as texting is enabled
- Communication is designed to be accessible and low-friction, even for older adults or those with limited tech literacy or access
So if you're thinking, “My clients won't go for that,”—think again! RTM is designed to be inclusive.
What Are The Easy Mistakes To Avoid?
- Calling it “RTM” to your patients, if you do that you have already lost. Instead, get creative or use what many of our practices use which is the [Your Practice Name] Connect Program
- Do it only for the money - if you don’t have improved outcomes and providing treatment flexibility as goals, then it is unlikely to work well
- Get frustrated easily - this can be a big change, there will be some bumps and bruises
- Don’t measure progress - Make sure you AND YOUR TEAM know the key success metrics, which you should be reporting on weekly or bi-weekly at the most
So… Is It Really Worth It?
If you want a better way to:
- Improve client outcomes
- Reduce dropped plans of care
- Increase retention
- Get paid for time you’re probably already spending checking in or answering questions...
Then yes, RTM is absolutely worth it.
And it’s not hard to implement. Start small—pick a handful of clients and experiment with a simple RTM workflow. Platforms like SaRA Health offer therapist-friendly onboarding and can help automate a lot of the heavy lifting.
Final Thoughts
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring is a powerful tool that helps you support clients in real life, between real sessions, while also creating a new stream of income for your practice.
And the best part? You don’t have to be a tech guru to get started. You just need the right tools, a few systems, and the heart to show up for your clients—even when they’re not in front of you.
Because, when this all works how it should you will have MORE time to care.
Guest Expert Contributor: Steven Coen, CEO @ SaRA Health
This article was written by Steven Coen, CEO at SaRA Health whose goal is to improve the lives of the people using SaRA Health, both patients and clinicians. 🔗 Learn more at SaRA Health.