Understanding Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)

Cognitive rehabilitation is a crucial aspect of healthcare, helping individuals regain cognitive function and independence after neurological injuries or conditions such as strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or neurodegenerative diseases. Traditionally, cognitive rehabilitation has been conducted in clinical settings, which can be limiting for many patients due to reasons such as accessibility, scheduling conflicts, and the ongoing global pandemic. Fortunately, advancements in technology have paved the way for innovative solutions like Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) to bridge this gap. 

RTM is a cutting-edge approach that allows healthcare professionals to monitor and support patients in their recovery journey remotely. It involves the use of digital tools, such as mobile apps or web platforms, to track patient progress, gather data, and provide personalized interventions. 

 

This article will explore the concept of RTM, the codes you can use for reimbursement, and how it can be effectively utilized with HappyNeuron Pro, our digital cognitive rehabilitation tool.

HappyNeuron Pro and Cognitive Rehabilitation

HappyNeuron Pro is a well-established digital cognitive rehabilitation tool designed to stimulate cognitive function in individuals with various neurological conditions. It offers a wide range of exercises and activities that target different cognitive domains, including memory, attention, language, and executive functions. When integrated with RTM, HappyNeuron Pro becomes an even more powerful tool for cognitive rehabilitation.

Here's how HappyNeuron Pro and RTM work together:

 

Real-time Progress Tracking: HappyNeuron Pro tracks a patient’s performance on each exercise and compiles data on their progress. With RTM, therapists can access this data in real-time, allowing them to identify trends, areas of improvement, and potential challenges.

 

Personalized Treatment Plans: Using the data collected through HappyNeuron Pro, therapists can create highly individualized treatment plans. These plans can be adjusted as needed to ensure that patients are continually challenged and progressing in their cognitive rehabilitation.

 

Remote Support and Feedback: RTM enables therapists to provide remote support and feedback to patients. Whether through video calls, messages, or secure chat platforms, therapists can guide and encourage patients throughout their rehabilitation journey, even from a distance.


Motivation and Engagement: HappyNeuron Pro’s interactive exercises are designed to keep patients engaged. The platform encourages regular participation, which is essential for effective cognitive rehabilitation. Patients can track their own progress, fostering a sense of accomplishment.

Codes

Insurance reimbursement for Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) services can vary depending on the specific insurance plan, location, and the patient’s medical condition. We will go over common Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes often used for RTM services, along with examples of how they could be used with HN Pro. 

 

Keep in mind that it’s essential to verify the specific codes and billing practices with the patient’s insurance provider and follow any guidelines or requirements they may have.

CPT code 98975 

Remote therapeutic monitoring (e.g., therapy adherence, therapy response); initial set-up and patient education on the use of equipment.

 

CPT Code 98980 

Remote therapeutic monitoring treatment management services, physician/ other qualified health care professional time in a calendar month requiring at least one interactive communication with the patient/caregiver during the calendar month; first 20 minutes.

 

CPT Code 98981 

Remote therapeutic monitoring treatment management services, physician/other qualified health care professional time in a calendar month requiring at least one interactive communication with the patient/caregiver during the calendar month; each additional 20 minutes.

  • CPT codes 98980 and 98981 both require at least one interactive communication with the patient or caregiver during the calendar month. Interactive communication refers to, “at a minimum, a real-time synchronous, two-way audio interaction that is capable of being enhanced with video or other kinds of data transmission.” (Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) CPT Code Billing Overview)

 

  • *RTM treatment management services (CPT codes 98980 and 98981) can be appointed by therapists working in rehabilitation agencies and CORFs (comprehensive outpatient rehab facilities), but not when a patient is an inpatient in a hospital or SNF (skilled nursing facility).

 

See below for a scenario of using RTM with Happy Neuron Pro:

Scenario: Patient Receiving Remote Cognitive Rehabilitation with HappyNeuron Pro

Step 1: Assessment and Prescription

  • A patient is diagnosed with a neurological condition such as stroke or traumatic brain injury that requires cognitive rehabilitation.
  • The patient’s healthcare provider, often a neurologist or rehabilitation specialist, assesses the patient’s condition and determines that cognitive rehabilitation using a digital tool like HappyNeuron Pro is appropriate.
  • The provider writes a prescription for cognitive rehabilitation with HappyNeuron Pro and specifies the frequency and duration of the treatment plan. This prescription includes the medical necessity for the rehabilitation service.

Step 2: Enrollment and Setup

  • The patient is enrolled in HappyNeuron Pro’s program by the healthcare provider or a designated healthcare staff member. The patient receives training on how to use the digital platform and the associated remote monitoring tools.
  • The patient is provided with access to HappyNeuron Pro, and their progress data will be securely stored and transmitted for monitoring.

Step 3: Remote Monitoring and Patient Engagement

  • Over the course of the treatment plan, the patient engages with HappyNeuron Pro, completing cognitive exercises and activities from their home.
  • The digital platform collects data on the patient’s performance, progress, and adherence to the program. This data includes information on the exercises completed, scores, and any relevant cognitive improvements.

Step 4: Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)

  • A designated healthcare professional, such as a neuropsychologist or cognitive therapist, remotely monitors the patient’s progress and data through the HappyNeuron Pro platform. This monitoring includes regular review and interpretation of the patient’s cognitive performance and progress trends.
  • The healthcare professional may also engage in interactive communication with the patient via video calls

Conclusion

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is transforming the field of cognitive rehabilitation, making it more accessible, personalized, and effective. When combined with powerful digital tools like HappyNeuron Pro, the potential for improving the cognitive function of individuals with neurological conditions is immense. This innovative approach not only enhances patient outcomes but also empowers healthcare providers to deliver high-quality care regardless of geographical constraints. As technology continues to advance, the integration of RTM and digital cognitive rehabilitation tools like HappyNeuron Pro makes a brighter future possible for individuals seeking to regain their cognitive abilities and quality of life.

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