Episode 22: Interview with Dr. Marc Gruner from Limber about Remote Therapeutic Monitoring

Introduction of a new product called Aging Here newsletter
Request for subscriptions and feedback for Aging Here
Introduction of guest Dr. Marc Gruner from Limber Health (https://www.limberhealth.com/)
Marc's background as a physician and entrepreneur
Marc's involvement in creating new CPT codes for RTM
Introduction to Limber Health and its solution for improving therapy adherence
Explanation of how Limber's app helps monitor and track exercises at home
Importance of home exercise therapy for better outcomes
Potential for house calls in physical therapy
Challenges with traditional paper printouts for home exercises
Importance of creating a sustainable lifestyle of exercising at home
Average age of patients receiving remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM)
Problems solved by Limber: confusion, compliance, unnecessary surgeries, cost reduction
Frustration as a physician prescribing physical therapy
Barriers to successful therapy: cost, time, travel
Need for codes to support RTM model
Involvement in the development of new RTM codes
Importance of a good business model for providers
Collaboration with AMA and other stakeholders to develop new codes
Importance of filling out forms and persevering through the process
Overview of the process for physical therapists using Limber Health
Risk stratification and evaluation of patients' pain and function
Selection of exercises for patients to do at home through a portal
Care navigators reaching out to patients and monitoring their progress
Remote monitoring of exercises and tracking pain and function
Providers are the buyers and pay for the services
Difference between RTM and RPM billing: RTM can be billed by various providers including physical therapists
Potential impact on revenue for physical therapists and improved patient outcomes
Providers, including physicians, PAs, NPs, and physical therapists, can bill RTM codes
Reimbursement for RTM codes varies based on billable milestones achieved
Limber and similar companies support providers with technology and clinical services
RTM codes can be used in fee-for-service and value-based care models
Limber aims to lower total cost of care and improve patient outcomes
Maryland offers innovative value-based care models through programs like Equip
Providers can sign up for Limber's services through a contract and training process
Participating providers may receive shared savings in value-based care models
Patients are informed and consent is obtained for remote therapeutic monitoring
Patient awareness of risk-taking in value-based care models may vary and can be addressed with the state of Maryland
Limber does not have a direct-to-consumer model but works with provider groups in various states
Providers using Limber's system can be identified through partnerships and collaborations
Compliance with therapy can potentially offset or delay the cost of procedures like knee replacements.