How To Use CPT Code 0686T

CPT 0686T describes the use of histotripsy, a non-thermal ablation technique using acoustic energy, to destroy malignant hepatocellular tissue in the liver. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of CPT code 0686T.

1. What is CPT Code 0686T?

CPT 0686T can be used to report the use of histotripsy, a specialized procedure that uses pulsed ultrasound energy to destroy cancerous liver tissue. This code is specifically used for the treatment of malignant hepatocellular tissue in the liver, and it includes image guidance to monitor the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0686T is: ‘Histotripsy (i.e., non-thermal ablation via acoustic energy delivery) of malignant hepatocellular tissue, including image guidance.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the provider uses a special device that delivers pulsed ultrasound energy to destroy cancerous liver tissue.
2. The provider selects the targeted area of malignant hepatocellular tissue in the liver.
3. The device delivers ultrasound pulses to create microbubbles from gases present in the targeted tissue.
4. When the bubble clouds form and collapse, they destroy the cancerous cells and tissues.
5. The provider uses image guidance to monitor the treatment in real-time and ensure accurate targeting of the malignant hepatocellular tissue.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 0686T is used for patients with malignant hepatocellular tissue in the liver who require treatment using histotripsy. This procedure is typically performed when other treatment options are not feasible or effective. The provider must use image guidance to monitor the procedure and ensure accurate targeting of the cancerous tissue.

5. When to use CPT code 0686T

CPT code 0686T should be used when a provider performs histotripsy to treat malignant hepatocellular tissue in the liver. It is important to note that this code includes image guidance, so there is no need to report a separate code for the imaging service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0686T, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of malignant hepatocellular tissue in the liver
• Description of the histotripsy procedure performed, including details of the ultrasound energy delivery and image guidance
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Documentation of the targeted area of malignant hepatocellular tissue in the liver
• Monitoring of the treatment using image guidance
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0686T, ensure that the procedure meets the qualifying circumstances and includes image guidance. Do not report a separate code for the image guidance service, as it is already included in CPT code 0686T. It is important to follow any additional guidelines provided by payers regarding the use of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0686T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2022. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs histotripsy using CPT code 0686T to treat malignant hepatocellular tissue in the liver of a patient.
2. During the procedure, the provider uses image guidance to monitor the treatment and ensure accurate targeting of the cancerous tissue.
3. CPT code 0686T is reported for the histotripsy procedure, including the use of ultrasound energy and image guidance.
4. A patient with malignant hepatocellular tissue in the liver undergoes histotripsy using CPT code 0686T for treatment.
5. The provider documents the details of the procedure, including the ultrasound energy delivery and the use of image guidance.
6. CPT code 0686T is billed for the histotripsy procedure performed on the patient’s malignant hepatocellular tissue in the liver.
7. Using CPT code 0686T, the provider performs histotripsy to destroy cancerous liver tissue in a patient.
8. The procedure includes the use of pulsed ultrasound energy and image guidance for accurate targeting of the malignant hepatocellular tissue.
9. CPT code 0686T is used to report the histotripsy procedure performed by the provider.
10. A provider utilizes CPT code 0686T to perform histotripsy on a patient with malignant hepatocellular tissue in the liver.