Reimbursement
$39.75
Threshold
2d
2026 Status
Active
What is CPT Code 98985?
CPT 98985 is defined as: Remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) of the musculoskeletal system status (e.g., therapy adherence, therapy response); device(s) supply with scheduled (e.g., daily) recording(s) and/or programmed alert(s) transmission, for a period of 2 to 15 days of data transmission within a 30-day period.
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
0
Physician Effort
PE (Non-Fac)
1.19
Practice Expense
Malpractice
0
Risk Factor
Total RVU
1.19
Note: [(Work RVU * Work GPCI) + (PE RVU * PE GPCI) + (MP RVU * MP GPCI)] * Conversion Factor
2026 CMS Policy Intelligence
revenue safety net
98985 is a critical 2026 policy addition that prevents 'all-or-nothing' revenue loss. It ensures that the costs of providing the device and technical support are partially reimbursed even if the 16-day rule is not met.
work rvu exemption
As a PE-only code, it is not affected by the -2.5% efficiency adjustment applied to physician work.
conversion factor
Utilizes the 2026 Non-QP rate of $33.40.
Administrative Framework
Operational Requirements
transmission threshold
Requires a minimum of 2 days and a maximum of 15 days of data transmission within a 30-day period. This is the 'short-duration' counterpart to CPT 98977.
device type
The device must be an FDA-defined medical device used to monitor musculoskeletal status (e.g., ROM sensors, smart braces).
billing interval
Reported once every 30 days only if the 16-day threshold of the primary code (98977) is not met.
musculoskeletal focus
Restricted to monitoring the MSK system (e.g., joint recovery, back pain progression).
Compliance Checklist
Audit Defense
No specific audit defense elements defined.
2026 Update
NEW 2026 CODE. Use this for low-compliance MSK monitoring months to secure compliant reimbursement.
Common Clinical Scenarios
No clinical examples provided.
Target Specialties & Utilization
Typical Clinical Indications (ICD-10)
Frequently Asked Questions
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