Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) continue to expand their use of remote patient monitoring (RPM). The 2026 CMS Final Rule adds new flexibility for collecting fewer days of physiologic data and for billing shorter increments of clinical monitoring time. Together, these changes reduce barriers for RPM adoption in health centers and broaden the types of patients who can be supported. This article update covers what is changing in 2026 for FQHCs and RPM, and what your organization can still bill today using current CPT guidance.
New 2026 CPT Code 99445
CMS introduced a new RPM device supply code for 2–15 days of data that allows billing for physiologic monitoring even when a patient does not meet the traditional 16-day threshold. Only one code should be billed per 30-day period depending on how many days of physiologic data were transmitted. CPT 99445 and 99454 are alternate device-supply codes for different ranges of days (2–15 days vs 16–30 days). Only one should be billed per 30-day period depending on how many days of physiologic data were transmitted.This supports patients who need intermittent monitoring, including those:
- starting a new medication
- in post-discharge follow-up
- with episodic conditions
- who cannot consistently meet 16 days of device use
The new code creates an on-ramp for RPM in populations where adherence or clinical need does not justify continuous daily monitoring.
CPT 99454 Code for device supply still remains and covers 16–30 days of physiologic data per 30-day period. This code remains unchanged and applies to patients who require consistent, ongoing monitoring.
Programs can continue using 99454 for traditional hypertension, heart failure, COPD, and diabetes monitoring.
New 2026 CPT Code 99470
CMS is also introducing added flexibility for clinical time spent managing RPM patients with new CPT code 99470. This is for the first 10 minutes of management time. The new code allows billing for shorter intervals of clinical engagement, addressing scenarios where a full 20-minute block CPT 99457 is unnecessary. Exhisting codes 99457 and 99458 remain available to use. However, 99470 and 99457 cannot be billed together. They are alternatives for the first management-time block.
Together, CPT codes 99470, 99457, and 99458 give FQHCs and RHCs more scalable care pathways based on patient acuity and monitoring needs. The new codes help FQHCS and RPM because it:
- Lower barrier to entry: Programs are no longer restricted to a 16-day minimum.
- More flexible care models: Patients who only need periodic monitoring can now be included in RPM.
- Better alignment with real-world workflows: Many FQHC patients benefit from lighter-touch monitoring or shorter clinical time intervals.
- Expanded reimbursement pathways: Tiered RPM models are now possible based on intensity, frequency, and clinical need.
RHCs and FQHCs RPM Current Billing
Until CMS releases the final 2026 reimbursement rates, FQHCs and RHCs should continue using current (2025) CPT allowable amounts for planning and ROI modeling. As of January 1, 2025, CMS allows FQHCs and RHCs to bill for RPM services using individual Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes instead of the generalized “G0511” code. This shift enables these organizations to bill for specific RPM services provided to patients. The newly applicable 2025 CPT codes include:
- 99453: Initial setup and patient education on the use of RPM devices.
- 99454: Supply of RPM devices and data transmission every 30 days.
- 99457: Remote monitoring and management of a patient, including at least 20 minutes of clinical staff or physician time per month.
- 99458: Used for each additional 20 minutes of RPM management services, supplementary to 99457.
This 2025 update allows for more precise billing and reflects the specific RPM services delivered, providing a financial incentive for FQHCs and program expansion in the following ways.
- Improved Reimbursement Opportunities for FQHCs: By using CPT codes 99453, 99454, 99457, and 99458, FQHCs and RHCs can better align their billing with the actual services provided, potentially increasing revenue for RPM programs.
- Encouraging RPM Adoption in FQHCs: RPM enables healthcare providers to remotely monitor and manage patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. The ability to bill for these services individually creates a financial framework for FQHCs and RHCs to invest in RPM technologies and devices.
- Enhanced Patient Care Through RPM in FQHCs: Access to RPM services improves care coordination and allows providers to proactively address patient health issues, leading to better outcomes and reduced hospitalizations.
- Lowering the overall cost of diabetes care: Most glucometers do not support test strips covered by most US insurance companies, nor do pharmacies commonly stock them. However, FQHCs can reduce the total cost of diabetes care by integrating TRUE METRIX® AIR blood glucose meter to Tenovi’s Cellular Gateway. This enables providers to support a commonly available glucose monitor with test trips found on many formularies.
Steps to Implement RPM in Your FQHC or RHC
If your organization is looking to take advantage of the new CMS billing changes for FQHCs and remote patient monitoring, consider the following steps:
- Assess Your Patient Population for RPM: Identify patient groups that would benefit the most from RPM, such as those with chronic conditions requiring frequent monitoring.
- Choose the Right RPM Devices for FQHCs: Invest in cellular-enabled devices, such as blood pressure monitors and weight scales, to ensure ease of use and seamless data transmission.
- Train Your Staff on RPM for FQHCs: Educate your clinical and administrative staff on RPM workflows, device setup, and documentation requirements for billing CPT codes.
- Update Your Billing Processes for RPM: Work with your billing team to incorporate the new CPT codes into your processes and ensure compliance with CMS guidelines.
- Partner with Trusted Vendors for RPM Programs: Collaborate with RPM solution providers that offer end-to-end support, including device provisioning, data management, and technical support.
Looking Ahead for FQHCs and RPM
The 2026 CMS rule maintains RPM billing stability for FQHCs and RHCs while extending telehealth flexibilities and clarifying broader virtual-care requirements. Until new reimbursement rates are published, health centers can confidently continue billing RPM using the existing CPT structure and use current rates for planning and forecasting.
Tenovi provides cellular-enabled RPM devices and solutions tailored for FQHCs and RHCs. Our suite of devices, including Welch Allyn blood pressure monitors and weight scales, integrates seamlessly with your workflows, enabling efficient RPM program implementation. With our Cellular Gateway serving as the lifeline for all connected devices, we ensure reliable data transmission and simplified operations. To learn more about implementing RPM in your FQHC or RHC, contact Tenovi today.
