How To Use CPT Code 58346

CPT 58346 describes the insertion of Heyman capsules for clinical brachytherapy, a treatment for endometrial cancer. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 58346?

CPT 58346 can be used to describe the insertion of Heyman capsules into the uterus for brachytherapy treatments. This procedure is performed to treat endometrial cancer. Heyman capsules are small metallic or plastic cylinders that carry radioactive material, which is used to target and destroy cancer cells.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 58346 is: ‘Insertion of Heyman capsules for clinical brachytherapy.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is placed in the dorsal lithotomy position, and a regional or general anesthetic is administered.
2. The provider dilates the patient’s cervix to access the uterus.
3. A uterine sound is used to determine the depth of the uterus.
4. The provider inserts 5 to 10 Heyman capsules into the uterine cavity, depending on the size of the cavity.
5. Long tubes are connected to the capsules, and the radioactive element is inserted through the tubes into the capsules.
6. Once the radiation treatment is complete, the tubes and capsules are removed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 58346 is performed for patients with endometrial cancer who require brachytherapy treatment. The procedure involves the insertion of Heyman capsules into the uterus to deliver radioactive material directly to the tumor. It is typically performed by a radiation oncologist.

5. When to use CPT code 58346

CPT code 58346 should be used when the provider inserts Heyman capsules into the uterus for clinical brachytherapy treatment of endometrial cancer. It is important to note that this code should only be reported once, regardless of the number of capsules inserted during the same session.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 58346, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of endometrial cancer
• Details of the procedure, including the number of Heyman capsules inserted
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or adverse events
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 58346, ensure that the procedure involves the insertion of Heyman capsules for clinical brachytherapy. It is important to report this code only once, regardless of the number of capsules inserted during the same session. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 58346 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 58346 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2002. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiation oncologist inserting Heyman capsules into the uterus of a patient with endometrial cancer for brachytherapy treatment.
2. A gynecologist performing the procedure to deliver radioactive material directly to the tumor in a patient with advanced endometrial cancer.
3. A team of healthcare professionals collaborating to insert Heyman capsules into the uterus of a patient undergoing brachytherapy for endometrial cancer.
4. A radiation therapist assisting the radiation oncologist in the insertion of Heyman capsules for brachytherapy treatment of endometrial cancer.
5. A patient with endometrial cancer receiving the insertion of Heyman capsules as part of their comprehensive treatment plan.
6. A provider performing the procedure to deliver targeted radiation therapy to the tumor in a patient with recurrent endometrial cancer.
7. A radiation oncology team carefully inserting Heyman capsules into the uterus to ensure precise delivery of the radioactive material for brachytherapy treatment.
8. A patient undergoing the insertion of Heyman capsules for brachytherapy treatment of early-stage endometrial cancer.
9. A gynecologic oncologist performing the procedure to deliver localized radiation therapy to the tumor in a patient with endometrial cancer.
10. A radiation oncology nurse assisting in the insertion of Heyman capsules for brachytherapy treatment of endometrial cancer.