Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and its Implementation in the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

This FAQ provide general questions and answers about Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and how it can be implemented in the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), including discussions of technology, implementation, and funding.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) uses connected medical devices to collect and transmit patient health data, such as blood pressure, glucose, and weight, to providers for ongoing care management.

For RHTP participants, RPM directly supports:

  • Reduced hospitalizations and ED visits
  • Improved chronic disease management
  • Expanded rural access to care
  • Value-based care performance metrics

Yes. RPM is reimbursed by:

  • Medicare nationally
  • Medicaid programs in most states
  • Many commercial payers

RHCs and FQHCs became eligible for RPM reimbursement starting in 2024.

Yes and no. RHTP funding cannot be used for a service which can already be funded by other sources. If a provider wants to deliver RPM for Medicare recipients, that program cannot use RHTP funding, because RPM for Medicare recipients is already reimbursed. However, if the patient was uninsured, or was a Medicaid patient in a state that doesn’t pay for RPM, then RHTP funds could be used for RPM.

Most are, but not all. Each state prepared a 75 page plan for how to use its RHTP funding. Many directly called out allocations for RPM, and some didn’t mention it at all. Consult the plan in your state for details.

RPM is a broad term—it has a huge spectrum of possibilities. The key is to have an RPM program which is not identical to the program reimbursed by CMS through Medicare. Or, deliver that Medicare-like program to patients for whom RPM is not reimbursed.

RPM is most effective for:

  • Hypertension
  • Diabetes
  • Heart failure
  • COPD
  • Obesity and high-risk populations

These conditions align closely with RHTP cost and quality priorities.

RPM contributes to:

  • Reduced total cost of care
  • Improved quality scores, such as HEDIS and Star Ratings
  • New reimbursement revenue streams
  • Lower readmission penalties

Yes. RPM can be billed alongside:

  • Chronic Care Management (CCM)
  • Transitional Care Management (TCM)

However, time must be tracked separately for each service.

Common barriers include:

  • Staffing constraints
  • Patient engagement and adherence
  • Technology integration
  • Connectivity limitations in rural areas

RPM:

  • Enables care at home
  • Reduces travel burden
  • Provides continuous feedback loops
  • Encourages proactive disease management

RPM supports:

  • Risk-based contracts
  • Population health management
  • Preventive care strategies
  • Performance-based reimbursement models
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