Why Now Is the Time to Start or Expand Your RPM Program
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The 2026 CMS Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) has officially finalized new CPT codes for Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), making remote care more flexible, accessible, and financially viable than ever before. These updates go into effect January 1, 2026, opening new opportunities for your organization.
As RPM moves further into the mainstream of patient care, organizations that adopt or expand cellular-enabled monitoring technology now will be best positioned to take full advantage of the new reimbursement structure.
Smart Meter, the leader in cellular-connected RPM devices and data connectivity, helps organizations expand care beyond the clinic with accurate, real-time patient data, no apps, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or hubs required. Our RPM solutions are designed to simplify compliance, boost patient engagement, and maximize reimbursement potential under the 2026 CPT code updates.
With these new CMS-approved changes, there’s never been a better time to start or scale your RPM program, and Smart Meter has everything you need to make it effortless and compliant from day one.
What’s New in 2026
CMS has adopted the AMA’s recommendations to:
- Reduce the minimum device reading days for reimbursement: 2–15 days now qualify (in addition to the existing 16+ days of readings code)
- Shorten required clinician review time: 10 minutes of interactive review qualifies for billing (in addition to the existing 20 minutes)
- Increase flexibility to better align reimbursement with your care delivery model and patient care plans
These updates make RPM programs easier to implement, more efficient, and creates revenue opportunity for providers. All while supporting patient engagement and providing better health outcomes.
RPM Reimbursement 101 + Important Details on New 2026 Codes
RPM allows clinicians to remotely monitor patient data, including blood pressure, glucose, weight, and oxygen levels, using FDA-cleared devices that automatically transmit patient readings.
New CPT Codes for 2026:
- 99445 – Device supply, 2–15 days of readings
- 99470 – First 10 minutes of clinical monitoring time
Existing CPT Codes:
- 99453 – Initial setup & patient education
- 99454 – Device supply, 16+ days of readings
- 99457 – First 20 minutes of clinical review
- 99458 – Each additional 20 minutes of clinical review
New 2026 CPT Code Changes and Usage
Currently, 99453 requires 16 days of readings in order to submit for reimbursement. Beginning January 1st, it will reflect the new code changes and will only require 2 days of readings to be billed. This clarification ensures providers have clear guidance and can confidently bill 99453 for even short-term device use and patient education.
In addition, CMS has clarified how providers should select the appropriate RPM code based on days of device readings and minutes of clinical monitoring time:
- 99445 vs. 99454 (Days of Readings):
- Use 99445 when a patient records 2–15 days of readings within a 30-day period.
- Use 99454 when a patient records 16 or more days of readings within the same 30-day period.
- 99470 vs. 99457 (Clinical Monitoring Time):
- Use 99470 for 10–19 minutes of clinical monitoring and interactive communication per month.
- Use 99457 when clinical monitoring time meets or exceeds 20 minutes per month.
- 99458 (Additional Monitoring Time):
- Use 99458 for each additional 20 minutes of clinical monitoring beyond the initial time billed under 99470 or 99457.
Smart Meter Cellular RPM Simplifies Compliance
Smart Meter’s cellular-connected RPM devices eliminate setup barriers and ensure seamless data flow through a secure Private Data Network, no apps, no hub, no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth required.
This means:
- Instant, automatic transmission of readings for seamless data flow between patients and providers
- Higher patient adherence with effortless device connectivity and no setup barriers
- Easy-to-use, stress-free devices that simplify the patient experience
- Reliable, billable data capture that ensures every reading supports reimbursement opportunities
Our technology ensures compliance with CPT requirements, while improving patient outcomes and RPM program performance.
What the 2026 Updates Mean for You
With the finalized CPT codes, providers can:
- Expand billing opportunities for shorter monitoring periods: Providers now have more flexibility to submit for reimbursement based on each patient’s care plan, even when care requires lower-frequency monitoring, such as just 2 days of readings per month
- Reduce staff time needed to meet reimbursement eligibility: Billable time now starts at just 10 minutes of clinical monitoring per month, simplifying workflows and reducing administrative effort.
- Increase adoption across a wider range of chronic conditions: Expanded CPT coverage supports RPM programs for chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and CKD
For organizations leveraging an RPM, this is the perfect time to invest in scalable, compliant cellular solutions that can support any type of patient populations and maximize reimbursement opportunities.
RPM is Now Mainstream: Be Ready for the 2026 RPM Era with Smart Meter
Smart Meter is the leading provider of cellular-enabled RPM devices and data connectivity in the U.S. Our portfolio includes:
- iGlucose® and iGlucose Plus® – Cellular blood glucose meters
- iBloodPressure® – Connected BP monitors
- iScale® – Connected weight scales
- iPulseOx® – Cellular pulse oximeter
All Smart Meter devices are ready-to-bill under current CPT codes and designed to support the expanded 2026 reimbursement model with effortless data capture and reporting.
The Value of Smart Meter’s Technology Stack
Smart Meter delivers a secure, enterprise-grade RPM platform with:
- HIPAA-compliant, AT&T-powered Private Data Network
- SOC 2 Type II certification (3rd consecutive year)
- Full lifecycle visibility via the Smart Solutions Portal
- 100% uptime since 2017
- Customizable API integrations for program scalability
This ensures providers can capture every reimbursement opportunity while scaling their RPM programs efficiently and confidently.
Start Preparing Now
With shorter monitoring periods and reduced clinician time officially in effect for 2026, there’s no better time to act. Early adoption means you can:
- Capture new reimbursement opportunities from day one
- Expand patient coverage with minimal workflow change
- Partner with a proven, compliant network for secure patient monitoring
