Peterson Center Report Evaluates RPM and RTM in Medicare, Suggests Reforms

The Peterson Center on Healthcare has released a comprehensive report examining the economic and clinical impacts of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) within Medicare.

The report, titled "Evolving Remote Monitoring: An Evidence-Based Approach to Coverage and Payment," highlights the rapid expansion of these services, with spending on RPM rising from $6.8 million in 2019 to $194.5 million in 2023. RTM services also saw significant growth, from $2.2 million in 2022 to $10.4 million in 2023.

The report reveals mixed results in patient outcomes; for instance, RPM has shown effectiveness in managing hypertension but less so in controlling diabetes over the long term. Additionally, the report criticizes the 'forever codes' that allow indefinite billing for RPM services, suggesting a need for payment models that better align with the actual clinical benefits provided to patients. The Peterson Center's findings advocate for policy reforms to optimize these digital health tools, ensuring they contribute to improved patient outcomes rather than just elevated healthcare spending.