echnology is evolving fast—and physical therapy is no exception. One of the most exciting developments we’re seeing in 2025 is the widespread adoption of wearable technology in PT practices.
From real-time movement tracking to remote patient monitoring, wearables are no longer just fitness tools for athletes or tech-savvy consumers. They’ve become powerful clinical aids that help physical therapists deliver better outcomes, improve engagement, and streamline care.
As a medical billing company focused on helping physical therapy practices thrive, we’re here to unpack how wearables can fit into your clinic—and how they can impact your bottom line.
In the PT world, wearables refer to smart devices that patients wear on their body to monitor or assist with rehabilitation. These devices can track everything from steps and joint angles to heart rate and muscle activation.
Common examples include:
Motion sensors and gyroscopes for range of motion tracking
Smartwatches and fitness bands for activity and heart rate monitoring
Pressure-sensing insoles for gait analysis
Posture-correcting devices for spine alignment feedback
And the best part? Many of these tools sync with mobile apps or cloud-based platforms, giving therapists real-time access to patient progress—even when the patient is at home.
Wearables have gone from “nice to have” to “must-have” in many outpatient therapy clinics. With the growing emphasis on outcomes-based care, remote patient engagement, and cost-effective solutions, wearables check a lot of boxes.
Here’s why they’re gaining traction:
✅ Better patient compliance: Patients are more likely to stick to home exercise programs when they get feedback and reminders.
✅ Objective data: Therapists can track movement, effort, and frequency—no more guessing or relying solely on patient reports.
✅ Faster recovery: Real-time corrections and feedback can help patients build better habits and avoid setbacks.
✅ Remote care compatibility: Wearables make telehealth and hybrid models even more effective by providing continuous data between sessions.
You don’t need to become a tech company to leverage wearables. Start small and focus on tools that align with your patient population and clinical goals.
Are you treating a lot of post-op knees or shoulders? Start with motion-tracking sensors. Have a population focused on fall prevention? Try gait monitors or smart insoles.
Select wearables that are easy for patients to use and understand. If they’re too complicated or uncomfortable, compliance will drop fast.
Use the data from wearables to adjust HEPs (home exercise programs), set more accurate goals, and document progress over time.
Ensure your therapists and support staff understand how to operate the devices, interpret the data, and use it to enhance care.
Right now, you can’t directly bill Medicare or most payers for the use of wearables alone. However, wearable data can support services like:
Remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) under CPT codes 98975–98978
Evaluation and re-evaluation sessions where data supports medical necessity
Telehealth sessions, where the wearable is used during guided home exercises
💡 Pro tip: The key to billing RTM is that the device must collect and transmit non-physiological data (like adherence and response to therapy). You must document setup, monitoring time, and patient interaction over 30 days.
It’s a rapidly evolving space, and we expect billing guidance to continue shifting as more providers adopt these tools.
Increased engagement from patients who enjoy tracking their own progress
Improved outcomes with more consistent home exercise compliance
Time savings during follow-ups, since data provides a clear picture of what’s working
Stronger documentation that supports medical necessity and helps justify continued care or insurance authorizations
As healthcare continues to move toward tech-forward, patient-centered models, wearable technology will play an even greater role in physical therapy. The good news is: you don’t need to overhaul your clinic to get started.
We’re already helping therapy practices integrate wearable data into their documentation and billing processes—and we’d love to help yours too.
Curious how wearables and remote monitoring could fit into your workflow?
Let’s talk. We’ll help you evaluate your options and ensure your billing stays compliant while your tech evolves.