How To Use CPT Code 32701

CPT 32701 describes the process of thoracic target delineation for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT) for the entire course of treatment. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 32701?

CPT 32701 can be used to describe the process of thoracic target delineation for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT) for the entire course of treatment. This code is used to identify the borders of tumors, determine their volume, and assess their spread to adjacent structures. It helps in directing radiation treatment for cancer.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 32701 is: ‘Thoracic target(s) delineation for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT), (photon or particle beam), entire course of treatment.’

3. Procedure

1. The surgeon and radiation oncologist collaborate to perform thoracic target delineation for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT) for the entire course of treatment.
2. The procedure involves identifying the borders of tumors, determining their volume, and assessing their spread to adjacent structures.
3. This process helps in determining where to direct radiation treatment for cancer.
4. Fiducial markers may be placed to ensure accurate delivery of radiation to the targeted site.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 32701 is performed for patients who require thoracic target delineation for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT) for the entire course of treatment. It is typically performed by a surgeon and radiation oncologist working together. Fiducial markers may be placed to aid in accurately delivering radiation to the targeted site.

5. When to use CPT code 32701

CPT code 32701 should be used when thoracic target delineation is performed for the entire course of treatment for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT). It should not be reported in conjunction with codes 77261-77799. Placement of fiducial markers should be reported separately using codes 31626 or 32553.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 32701, the following documentation is required:

• Details of the thoracic target delineation procedure
• Documentation of the borders of tumors, their volume, and their spread to adjacent structures
• Information on the placement of fiducial markers, if applicable
• Documentation of the collaboration between the surgeon and radiation oncologist

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 32701, ensure that the procedure is performed for the entire course of treatment for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT). Do not report CPT 32701 in conjunction with codes 77261-77799. Placement of fiducial markers should be reported separately using codes 31626 or 32553.

8. Historical information

CPT 32701 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2013. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon and radiation oncologist collaborating to perform thoracic target delineation for a patient undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT) for lung cancer.
2. Identifying the borders of a tumor, determining its volume, and assessing its spread to adjacent structures for a patient receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT) for pleural mesothelioma.
3. Placing fiducial markers to ensure accurate delivery of radiation for a patient undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT) for a lung tumor.
4. Collaborating to perform thoracic target delineation for a patient receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT) for metastatic lung cancer.
5. Identifying the borders of a tumor, determining its volume, and assessing its spread to adjacent structures for a patient undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT) for a mediastinal tumor.
6. Placing fiducial markers to aid in accurate radiation delivery for a patient receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT) for a chest wall tumor.
7. Collaborating to perform thoracic target delineation for a patient undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT) for a recurrent lung tumor.
8. Identifying the borders of a tumor, determining its volume, and assessing its spread to adjacent structures for a patient receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT) for a thymic carcinoma.
9. Placing fiducial markers to ensure precise radiation delivery for a patient undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT) for a pulmonary metastasis.
10. Collaborating to perform thoracic target delineation for a patient receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT) for a chest wall sarcoma.