Reimbursement
Carrier Priced
Threshold
16d
2026 Status
Active
What is CPT Code 98978?
CPT 98978 is defined as: Remote therapeutic monitoring device(s) supply with scheduled (e.g., daily) recording(s) and/or programmed alert(s) transmission to monitor cognitive behavioral therapy, each 30 days (16-30 days of data transmission).
This code is primarily used for RTM services. It falls under the category of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) and is valid for the 2026 calendar year according to the CMS Physician Fee Schedule.
2026 RVU Components
Relative Value Units (Non-Facility)
Work RVU
Physician Effort
PE (Non-Fac)
Practice Expense
Malpractice
Risk Factor
Total RVU
Note: Reimbursement is determined by individual MACs or commercial payers.
2026 CMS Policy Intelligence
carrier pricing
Remains carrier-priced in 2026, meaning reimbursement varies by MAC; check local coverage determinations (LCD).
efficiency shield
Exempt from efficiency adjustments as it is a supply/technical component, not a work-based professional service.
digital therapeutics expansion
Part of CMS's broader initiative to integrate digital health solutions into standard behavioral care.
Administrative Framework
Operational Requirements
minimum time
16 days of data transmission within a 30-day period
staff type
Not applicable (Technical/Supply component)
frequency
Once per 30-day period
add on codes
care plan requirement
Device must be an FDA-cleared medical device used to monitor CBT adherence or outcomes.
Compliance Checklist
Audit Defense
No specific audit defense elements defined.
2026 Update
Providers should monitor MAC updates for specific pricing for CBT RTM codes, as some regions are increasing reimbursement to encourage adoption.
Common Clinical Scenarios
CMS Eligibility: Patients undergoing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Based on the prescribed CBT course
Target Specialties & Utilization
Typical Clinical Indications (ICD-10)
Billing Differentiation
VS 98986
98986 is for shorter cycles (2-15 days); 98978 is for standard months (16-30 days).
VS 99454
99454 is for RPM (physiologic data); 98978 is for RTM (therapeutic/CBT data).
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