Clarified CMS Rules and a Game-Changing RPM Thermometer

By now, it's clear: Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is here to stay. RPM benefits the patient, the public, and the provider. But as the program evolves, CMS laws and regulations continue to shift to ensure compliance and proper execution.

Updated CMS Rules for RPM Billing

CMS has clarified billing for CPT codes 99453 and 99454:

“These codes should only be reported once per 30-day period, even if multiple medical devices are used. Billing is limited to one practitioner per patient per 30 days, and at least 16 days of data must be collected during that period.”

Key takeaway: You must have 16 unique days of readings per patient per month to qualify for these codes.

Temporary COVID-19 Modifications

During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), CMS allowed more flexible policies:

Only 2 unique days of readings were required per 30 days for eligible patients (COVID-positive, high-risk, or symptomatic).

Nearly all Medicare RPM-eligible patients met this criteria, prompting RPM providers to accelerate monitoring efforts from day one.

Tellihealth's 4G Cellular-Enabled Thermometer

To support these efforts, Tellihealth (in partnership with Accuhealth) launched the world’s first 4G cellular-enabled thermometer—an innovation designed specifically for COVID-positive and at-risk patients.

Thermometer Features:

• FDA Class II certified
• Real-time, cellular data transmission
• No pricks or probing — contactless readings within 2–3 inches
• Seamless integration with RPM platforms

This device provides instant alerts for fever—an early sign of viral, bacterial, or COVID-related illness—and encourages greater patient adherence.

Why It Matters

At Tellihealth (formerly Accuhealth), we're constantly adapting to meet compliance and improve care. This thermometer is more than just a new device—it’s a clinical tool to detect and respond to health changes early, especially in vulnerable, comorbid patients.

With over 3 years of success helping clinics nationwide scale RPM programs, our goals remain unchanged:

• Enhance quality of life
• Improve outcomes
• Reduce emergency visits
• Enable scalable care delivery

Ready to elevate your RPM program?
Book a meeting to learn how our connected solutions help you stay compliant and deliver better care.