CPT 99453 is a Medicare billing code used for the initial setup and patient education required to begin Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) services. Effective January 1, 2019, clinicians may now bill CPT 99453 for onboarding patients into an RPM program, as established under the CY 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
CPT 99453 is billed once per patient per episode of care and covers the activities necessary to initiate remote patient monitoring.
What CPT 99453 Covers
CPT 99453 includes:
- Initial setup of remote patient monitoring devices
- Patient or caregiver education on how to use RPM equipment and technology
- Activation and configuration of RPM devices required to begin monitoring
These services support the start of ongoing RPM services, which are typically billed using additional Remote Patient Monitoring CPT codes.
CPT 99453 Billing Requirements:
- CPT 99453 may be billed once per episode of care
- The code applies to new RPM setups, not ongoing monitoring
- Eligibility and participation requirements for Remote Patient Monitoring services have not changed
Resources:
CMS. Medicare Program; Revisions to Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to Part B for CY 2019. November 2018. [Online: 11/01/2018].
https://www.cms.gov/medicare/medicare-fee-for-service-payment/physicianfeesched/pfs-federal-regulation-notices-items/cms-1693-f
