RTM as a Therapy Service: How to Engage Patients and Deliver Real Value

When I first started offering Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM), I’ll be honest — my brain defaulted to CPT codes and compliance checklists. But something clicked after my first few patients: if RTM is only about checking a reimbursement box, it’s going to flop.

RTM can (and should) be more than a billing mechanism. It can be a genuinely valuable extension of therapy — a way to keep patients engaged, supported, and progressing between visits. But here’s the catch: to make it meaningful, you’ve got to build it into the care experience, not tack it on as an afterthought.

Why Patient Engagement in RTM Matters

Patient engagement in RTM isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s the fuel that keeps the whole program running. Without it, your compliance rates drop, your staff gets frustrated, and your reimbursement potential tanks. With it, patients actually do their exercises, share feedback, and come to appointments more prepared.

I’ve seen clinics hit over 85% compliance rates when they focus on making RTM part of the patient’s therapy journey rather than a “bonus program.”

RTM Best Practices That Actually Work

Through a lot of trial, error, and “What were we thinking?” moments, I’ve narrowed down what really moves the needle:

1. Start With Why – Explain to patients that RTM is a tool to help them recover faster, stay on track, and give their therapist - real-time insights - not just another tech requirement.

2. Keep the Tech Simple – If your patient needs a tutorial longer than their actual PT session, you’ve lost them.

3. Make Feedback Immediate – Patients should see that their input leads to adjustments in their program quickly.

4. Set Engagement Milestones – Congratulate them for 1 week, 2 weeks, or hitting a streak. People love small wins.

5. Use the Data – Share progress reports during in-person visits so patients see the value of their remote efforts.

How to Increase RTM Compliance

- Automate Reminders: Simple text or push notifications keep patients on track without staff micromanagement.

- Gamify the Process: Leaderboards aren’t just for video games — some clinics have fun with “exercise streaks” or challenges.

- Address Barriers Early: If a patient misses a few days, reach out before it becomes a month.

The Therapist's Role in Engagement

Engaged therapists lead to engaged patients. When your team sees RTM as a care enhancement — not just admin work — their enthusiasm rubs off on patients. I’ve found that the clinics with the highest compliance rates have therapists who actively review RTM data and integrate it into their treatment plans.

Bottom line: If RTM feels transactional, patients will treat it like a transaction. Make it part of their care story, and you’ll see the difference.

Want additional ideas on patient engagement workflows? Check out my courses to ensure your RTM product delivers!