These programs attract everyone from family-run rural practices to massive hospital groups. And with such a wide range of applications, there are plenty of ways this can go wrong.

Of course, no program is perfect. Your vendor can take every precaution and warn you of every possible issue, and something will still come up. And not all patient monitoring vendors are created equal.

So, we put together this post to help you avoid the most common and costly missteps. We recommend sharing this with your team so there are as many aware eyes as possible.

RPM Mistakes Take Different Forms

Remote patient monitoring gives patients greater access to care and allows providers to respond with more data-informed decisions. Hospitals benefit from reduced readmissions, and everyone sees better outcomes.

It’s a powerful addition to any practice—but it’s easy to misstep.

To make this easier to digest, we’ve grouped common RPM mistakes into three categories:

• Patient-related mistakes
• Code-related mistakes
• Provider-related mistakes

Think of them as front-of-house vs. back-of-house issues—each affects the quality and sustainability of your program.

Patient-Related RPM Mistakes

Patients are at the heart of RPM. Ignoring their needs—or overestimating their tech-savviness—can compromise your entire program. Here are the most common patient-related mistakes:

1. Choosing the Wrong Patient Population

You can’t start RPM with every patient. Focus first on those who are:

• Motivated to manage their condition
• Comfortable with basic technology
• Reliable in taking daily readings

For example, a cardiology clinic might begin with patients who need blood pressure monitoring and who already take an active role in managing their health.

2. Starting With Too Many Patients

A small, handpicked patient pool is the safest way to launch. Starting with too many patients can overwhelm your team and dilute your program's effectiveness.

3. Focusing on the Tech, Not the Patients

Don’t let the excitement of RPM tech distract from patient care. Introduce the program by building trust: “We’re recommending this technology because it will help us better support your health.”

4. Lack of Patient Training

Never assume patients know how to use the devices—even the tech-savvy ones. Train everyone thoroughly and offer resources like pamphlets or simple how-to videos to support their understanding.

5. Failing to Reinforce Daily Readings

Always emphasize the importance of daily readings during the initial visit. One reading per day leads to better outcomes and improves adherence.

6. Passive Patients

Choosing passive patients—those unlikely to engage—will stall your program. Focus on people who are active in their care.

7. Not Getting Patient Feedback

Collect ongoing feedback from your patients. Use phone calls, surveys, or online polls to understand what’s working and what isn’t. This input helps improve both patient experience and outcomes.

Code-Related RPM Mistakes

Even if you’re great with patients, ignoring coding compliance can jeopardize reimbursement. Watch out for these mistakes:

1. Failing to Have a Face-to-Face Visit

Before billing CPT code 99457, providers must have a face-to-face visit with the patient. This can happen during an annual wellness visit or a standard office visit.

2. Not Documenting Patient Consent

CMS doesn’t specify how to document consent—but you must have it. Also, include justification for RPM in the patient’s medical record.

3. Using Incorrect CPT Codes

Use updated CPT codes from 2021 onward:

• 99453 (setup & education)
• 99454 (device supply)
• 99457 (first 20 minutes of monitoring)
• 99458 (each additional 20 minutes)

Review and update your coding protocols regularly.

4. Using Non-FDA Medical Devices

Devices must meet the FDA’s definition of a “medical device.” They don’t have to be FDA-approved, but they must comply with that classification.

5. Services Not Ordered by a Qualified Healthcare Provider

RPM services must be ordered by a physician or qualified provider. After the initial order, clinical staff can deliver care under supervision.

6. Not Tracking Interactive Time (or Tracking It Manually)

You must document at least 20 minutes of interactive time for CPT 99457 and 40 minutes for 99458. Automate this with an RPM platform to avoid errors and compliance issues.

7. Not Leveraging “Incident-To” Billing

Take advantage of general supervision rules under CPT 99457/99458. Staff don’t need to be in the same building, allowing for greater flexibility.

8. Double Billing Interactive Time

You can bill RPM alongside CCM or TCM services—but never for the same 20 minutes. Avoid duplicate billing at all costs.

Provider-Related Mistakes

This category speaks to your team’s capacity and preparedness.

1. Staff Overwhelm & Lack of Resources

RPM is meant to help your team, not burden them. Provide training, tools, and time to adjust. Keep the rollout transparent and collaborative.

Support staff are the backbone of RPM success—support them accordingly.

2. Delayed Response

If RPM data is coming in, you must act on it quickly. Your RPM vendor should offer integration tools to ensure alerts and follow-ups don’t fall through the cracks.

Why These Mistakes Matter

Many mistakes stem from poor communication or unclear processes. The best remedy? Document everything. Make procedures clear. Support your team. Be proactive.

Remote patient monitoring is transformative, but only when implemented carefully.

When you sidestep these mistakes, your RPM program is more likely to succeed. And when it works, it changes lives—for your patients and your practice.

To learn more or get started with RPM the right way, schedule a meeting with our experts!