CPT 98977 Description, Billing Rules, & Use Cases
Remote therapeutic monitoring for musculoskeletal care — CPT 98977 is used to bill for supplying a compliant device that transmits scheduled recordings or alerts related to musculoskeletal function.
It is reported once per 30-day period and supports digital health programs targeting therapy adherence and recovery outcomes.
What is CPT Code 98977?
CPT Code 98977 covers the supply of a medical device used for Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) of the musculoskeletal system. This code applies when the device collects data such as therapy adherence, physical performance, or symptom response and transmits that information using scheduled recordings or programmed alerts.
The service must meet the following conditions:
- The device is provided to the patient for use in a home or outpatient setting
- The monitoring episode lasts at least 16 days within a 30-day period
- The device meets the FDA definition of a medical device
- The service is ordered by a physician or qualified healthcare provider (QHP)
This code is used strictly for device supply and transmission, not for treatment management or data interpretation. Those services are billed separately under CPT codes 98980 and 98981.
CPT 98977 Time Thresholds and Code Combinations
CPT 98977 is used to report the monthly device supply and data activation for Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) of the musculoskeletal system. The code is billed once per 30-day period, and providers must meet strict timing, documentation, and device requirements.
Important to Note:
CPT 98977 may be billed once per calendar month when all of the following are true:
- The device is FDA-defined and configured to collect musculoskeletal-related data
- It is capable of scheduled recordings and/or programmed alerts
- The device is supplied and activated by the care team
- Monitoring occurs on 16 or more days within a 30-day period
- The service is ordered by a physician or QHP
- Documentation clearly supports all of the above
When to Use CPT 98977: Common Scenarios and Use Cases
CPT 98977 should be used when a provider or supervised care team member supplies a device for musculoskeletal monitoring and initiates a 30-day RTM episode. The device must collect therapy response or functional movement data, and at least 16 days of valid readings are required during the billing period.
Here are examples of how CPT 98977 is used in practice:
Post-Op Recovery Monitoring After Joint Replacement
An orthopedic provider:
- Assigns a wearable device to track mobility and pain signals after knee surgery
- Activates the device to record scheduled activity and transmit alerts for non-adherence
- Plans to review data weekly with the physical therapy team
Billing: 98977 (once for device supply and setup for MSK tracking)
Rehab Tracking After Sports Injury
A physical medicine specialist:
- Supplies a remote rehab sensor to track limb motion and therapy adherence
- Reviews data weekly to adjust strength-building protocols
- Documents the RTM episode and patient education
Billing: 98977 (monthly for compliant remote MSK device use)
At-Home Therapy for Osteoarthritis Patients
A primary care provider:
- Assigns a wearable joint monitor to assess adherence to prescribed home exercises
- Data is transmitted daily and reviewed every 5–7 days
- Monitoring goals and outcomes are documented in the RTM plan
Billing: 98977 (each 30-day period with 16+ days of data)
CPT 98977 Billing Requirements and Eligibility
CPT 98977 is used to report the monthly supply of a device that supports remote monitoring of musculoskeletal status, including therapy response and physical adherence. The code applies only when a qualified device is assigned and activated under an approved Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) episode of care.
This code may only be billed once per 30-day period and must meet the following requirements:
Patient Eligibility Criteria
The patient must be enrolled in an active treatment plan that requires remote monitoring of musculoskeletal performance or therapy response. This typically applies to patients recovering from orthopedic procedures, managing chronic joint or spine conditions, or undergoing physical rehabilitation.
Examples include:
- Post-operative orthopedic care (e.g., knee or shoulder replacement)
- Physical therapy after injury
- Chronic musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., arthritis, back pain)
The patient must:
- Be prescribed RTM by a physician or QHP
- Understand and consent to device use
- Be engaged in a therapy plan that benefits from digital monitoring
Device and Setup Requirements
The supplied device must:
- Qualify as a medical device under FDA guidelines
- Be capable of capturing and transmitting musculoskeletal-related data
- Provide scheduled recordings and/or programmed alerts (e.g., range of motion, therapy completion)
The provider or supervised clinical staff must:
- Assign and activate the device for home use
- Document all setup and patient instruction
- Confirm that the device is linked to a review workflow
Timing and Episode Requirements
CPT 98977 may be reported:
- Once per 30-day monitoring period
- Only if at least 16 days of device data are captured within the 30-day span
- In conjunction with setup (98975) and management (98980/98981) if applicable
Providers must ensure that no overlapping codes are billed for the same device and period.
Who Can Bill CPT 98975
CPT 98977 may be billed by:
- Physicians
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
- Physician Assistants (PAs)
- Clinical staff under general supervision, per payer guidelines
Billing must be tied to a supervising provider responsible for ordering and reviewing the RTM service.
CPT 98977 Billing Documentation Checklist
To support compliant billing of CPT 98977, include the following in the patient’s chart:
- A signed order from a physician or QHP initiating musculoskeletal RTM
- Description of the assigned RTM device:
- FDA-qualified and used for musculoskeletal monitoring
- Assigned specifically to the patient
- Capable of recording and/or generating alerts
- Documentation that the device was supplied and activated
- Identification of the 30-day monitoring window
- Confirm at least 16 days of recorded data
- Confirmation that the patient:
- Was instructed on device use
- Understood the monitoring frequency
- Consented to the RTM program
- Follow-up plan:
- Who will review the incoming data
- Expected frequency of review or alerts
- When and how follow-up will be conducted
Common CPT 98977 Billing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
❌ Billing 98977 Without a Qualifying Device
The device must meet the FDA definition of a medical device and be capable of collecting and transmitting musculoskeletal system data (e.g., range of motion, therapy adherence). Apps or trackers without these features typically do not qualify.
❌ Monitoring Period Shorter Than 16 Days
This code requires at least 16 days of data capture within a 30-day period. If a patient discontinues use early or misses scheduled inputs, the code may not be billed.
❌ No Device Assignment or Setup Documentation
CPT 98977 requires a record of when and how the device was supplied and activated for RTM. The patient chart should include device details and confirmation that monitoring was started.
❌ Duplicate Billing in the Same Month
This code may be billed only once per calendar month per RTM category. Attempting to bill 98977 alongside another code for a similar device or episode (e.g., 98976 for respiratory) during the same period may lead to denials.
❌ Missing Provider Oversight
Even when setup is handled by clinical staff, the device supply must be ordered and overseen by a physician or QHP. The initiating provider should be clearly linked to the episode of care in the documentation.
