CMS Proposes Ban on Third-Party Vendors Providing Remote Patient Monitoring Services

CMS's 2027 Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule includes a significant policy shift: banning third-party vendors from furnishing and billing for remote patient monitoring (RPM) services under Medicare. The agency states RPM services must be provided directly by the billing practitioner or their clinical staff, aiming to curb potential fraud and ensure services are integrated into patient care. This would prohibit the common practice where vendors supply devices, collect data, and bill Medicare on behalf of practices for CPT codes 99453, 99454, 99457, and 99458. If finalized, practices using such vendors must bring RPM operations in-house by January 1, 2027, or cease billing. Audit your current RPM contracts and vendor relationships immediately to assess operational and financial risk.