CMS has proposed changes to how Remote Therapeutic Monitoring is paid in 2027. The public comment period closed September 14, 2026. Here is what was proposed and what we told CMS.
Comments closed September 14, 2026. CMS reads every comment it received and answers them in the final rule. We will update this page when the final rule is published.
What the proposal would change
The proposed 2027 Physician Fee Schedule (CMS-1848-P) would lower what the RTM codes pay, and it bundles in four other changes: a separate initiating visit before monitoring can start, an established-patient requirement, a rule that only employed clinical staff can furnish RTM, and a possible switch to bundled G-codes. The kit explains each one in plain terms.
The proposed national payment changes, as published with the rule:
Code | Service | 2026 | 2027 proposed | Change |
98975 | Setup and patient education | $21.71 | $20.03 | down 7.7% |
98977 | Device supply and monitoring (16 to 30 days) | $51.44 | $41.05 | down 20.2% |
98985 | Device supply and monitoring (2 to 15 days) | $51.44 | $41.05 | down 20.2% |
98979 | Treatment management, first 10 min | $26.39 | $25.29 | down 4.2% |
98980 | Treatment management, first 20 min | $54.11 | $51.56 | down 4.7% |
98981 | Treatment management, each additional 20 min | $41.42 | $40.07 | down 3.3% |
2026 amounts are the national Medicare rates in effect today. 2027 amounts come from the rate tables CMS published with the proposed rule. Local rates vary by area, and every 2027 figure is a proposal, not a final number.
What we told CMS
Practices across the SaRA network sent CMS their own numbers and stories before the deadline. The letters were built on four requests:
Do not cut the RTM codes without first collecting and publishing real cost data from outpatient therapy practices, and the method behind the new values, for comment.
Confirm that a therapy evaluation counts as the initiating visit, and allow it on the same date of service as the start of monitoring.
Publish any bundled G-codes for comment before adopting them, and keep them revenue neutral to the current code set.
State that RTM is not a visit for Medicare Advantage visit limits, authorization counts, or utilization review.
The full letter template, with the plain language explanation of each proposal, is in the kit above.
Submitted a comment? If you have not sent us your confirmation number yet, email your letter and the number to [email protected]. We are tracking what the network submitted.
Your congressional delegation and your state PT, OT, or SLP chapter can still hear from you. The regulations.gov comment window is closed, but those channels stay open, and the same letter works for them.
The proposed rule itself is on regulations.gov under CMS-1848-P.