An Overview of Radiation Oncology Codes – Part 2

1. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: An Overview of Radiation Oncology Codes – Part 2 In radiation oncology, specific CPT code categories have been established to capture the various aspects of treatment, including delivery, planning, and specialized techniques. These codes not only facilitate billing and reimbursement processes but also contribute to accurate communication and tracking of procedures within the field. In the first part of this article we discussed, the first five categories of radiation oncology billing. In this article, we will explore the radiation oncology codes for procedures like radiation treatment management; proton beam radiation treatment delivery; radiation hyperthermia treatment; clinical intracavitary radiation hyperthermia treatment; and clinical brachytherapy radiation treatment. Radiation Oncology Codes The CPT code range for radiation oncology is 77261-77799, which is maintained by American Medical Association. This code range is further divided into 10 sub categories, we explored the first five categories in the first part of this article, so let’s discuss the remaining radiation oncology codes: 6. Radiation Treatment Management (CPT Code Range 77427-77499) Radiation Treatment Management is an essential aspect of radiation oncology, ensuring the safe and effective delivery of radiation therapy to patients. CPT codes within the range of 77427-77499 encompass a variety of services related to radiation treatment management. Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 1

2. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: Key CPT Codes in this code range are as follows: 77427: Radiation treatment management, 5 treatments 77431: Radiation treatment management, 10 treatments 77432: Radiation treatment management, >10 treatments 77435: Special treatment procedure (e.g., total body irradiation, hemibody irradiation) 77470: Radiation treatment delivery, single treatment area, single port or parallel opposed ports, simple blocks or no blocks 77499: Unlisted procedure, radiation oncology 7. Proton Beam Radiation Treatment Delivery (CPT Code Range 77520- 77525) Proton beam radiation therapy is an advanced form of radiation treatment that utilizes proton beams instead of traditional photon beams. The corresponding CPT code range for proton beam radiation treatment delivery is 77520-77525. It is important to note that the selection of the appropriate CPT code within the 77520-77525 range depends on several factors, including the complexity of the treatment plan, the number of treatment fields, the use of specialized techniques or equipment, and the level of integration with other treatment modalities. In addition to the delivery of proton beam therapy itself, there are other associated services and procedures that may be coded separately. These may include treatment planning (CPT codes 77299 or 77370), simulation and localization procedures (CPT codes 77280-77295), and image guidance (CPT codes 77014 and 77417). 8. Radiation Hyperthermia Treatment (CPT Code Range 77600-77615) Radiation hyperthermia treatment, also known as thermal therapy, is a specialized technique used in radiation oncology to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy by raising the temperature of the targeted tumor or cancerous tissue. The CPT code range 77600-77615 is dedicated to coding and billing for radiation hyperthermia treatments. Let’s explore these codes in more detail. Some of the key CPT codes are as follows: 77600: Hyperthermia, superficial (e.g., microwave) Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 2

3. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: 77605: Hyperthermia, external (including infrared) 77610: Hyperthermia, interstitial (including needle or catheter placement) 77615: Hyperthermia, intraoperative Factors such as the type of heat source, treatment modality (external, superficial, interstitial, or intraoperative), and the extent of the treatment area should be taken into account when selecting the appropriate CPT code. It is worth noting that these codes may have specific requirements and limitations set by insurance providers, Medicare, and other payers. Therefore, it is advisable to review the payer’s guidelines and policies to ensure compliance with their reimbursement requirements. 9. Clinical Intracavitary Radiation Hyperthermia Treatment (CPT Code 77620) Clinical intracavitary radiation hyperthermia treatment (CPT code 77620) is a specialized procedure used in radiation oncology to treat certain types of cancer located within body cavities. It combines intracavitary radiation therapy with the application of heat, known as hyperthermia. This treatment modality has shown promising results in improving treatment outcomes by enhancing the tumor’s response to radiation. Proper documentation and accurate reporting of this procedure are essential for appropriate billing and data collection purposes. 10. Clinical Brachytherapy Radiation Treatment (CPT Code Range 77750- 77799) Brachytherapy is a specialized form of radiation therapy that involves the placement of radioactive sources directly into or near the tumor. It allows for precise delivery of radiation to the affected area while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. The CPT code range 77750-77799 is dedicated to describing the different procedures and services associated with clinical brachytherapy radiation treatment. The key CPT codes are as follows: 77750– Remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide brachytherapy 77761– Interstitial or intracavitary brachytherapy, simple 77762– Interstitial or intracavitary brachytherapy, complex Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 3

4. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: It is important to note that the specific CPT codes within the 77750-77799 range may vary based on the complexity and extent of the brachytherapy treatment. Some additional codes in this range cover specific types of brachytherapy procedures, such as intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) or ocular brachytherapy. We hope that this article and the first part of this article has given you an overview of radiation oncology codes. It is important to note that the information provided in this article serves as a general overview and does not substitute for the specific guidelines and regulations set forth by medical coding authorities. Healthcare providers should consult the most up-to-date resources, such as official CPT coding guidelines and relevant billing regulations, for accurate and compliant coding and billing practices in radiation oncology. The American Medical Association (AMA) periodically releases updates to the CPT code set, including guidelines and instructions for proper code usage. Regularly referring to these updates and consulting with coding experts can help ensure accurate coding and appropriate reimbursement for radiation oncology treatments. About Medical Billers and Coders (MBC) Medical Billers and Coders (MBC) is recognized as a leading radiation oncology billing company, providing comprehensive and specialized billing services tailored to the unique needs of radiation oncology practices. With our deep expertise and extensive knowledge of the ever-evolving medical billing and coding landscape, MBC ensures accurate and efficient revenue cycle management for radiation oncology providers. Our team of skilled professionals is well-versed in the intricacies of radiation oncology coding, including the specific CPT codes, modifiers, and documentation requirements. By partnering with MBC, radiation oncology practices can streamline their billing processes, maximize reimbursement, and focus on delivering exceptional patient care. To know more about our radiation oncology billing services, email us at: info@medicalbillersandcoders.com or call us at: 888-357-3226. CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 4