How To Use CPT Code 77293

CPT 77293 describes the procedure for respiratory motion management simulation in preparation for 3D radiotherapy or intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 77293?

CPT 77293 can be used to describe the procedure for respiratory motion management simulation. This code is used when a patient undergoes a respiration-correlated or 4D CT simulation study in preparation for 3D radiotherapy or IMRT. During this procedure, a respiratory sensor is placed on the patient’s chest or abdominal area, and the patient breathes normally while a CT planning scan is performed. The images obtained from the CT scan are then reconstructed using the CT and respiration data from each portion of the breathing cycle.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77293 is: ‘Respiratory motion management simulation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code is intended to be used in conjunction with CPT codes 77295 and 77301.

3. Procedure

1. In preparation for 3D radiotherapy or IMRT, a respiratory sensor is placed on the patient’s chest or abdominal area.
2. The patient breathes normally while a CT planning scan is performed.
3. The CT images are reconstructed using the CT and respiration data from each portion of the breathing cycle.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77293 is performed when a patient requires respiratory motion management simulation in preparation for 3D radiotherapy or IMRT. This procedure is typically performed for patients with tumors that are affected by respiratory motion. It is important to note that this code should only be used when the respiratory motion management simulation is performed in addition to the primary procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 77293

CPT code 77293 should be used when a patient undergoes a respiratory motion management simulation in preparation for 3D radiotherapy or IMRT. It is important to ensure that this code is reported in conjunction with the primary procedure code. This code should not be reported as a standalone code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77293, the following documentation should be included:

• Documentation indicating the need for respiratory motion management simulation
• Details of the respiratory sensor placement
• Documentation of the CT planning scan
• Reconstruction of CT images using the CT and respiration data

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77293, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed in conjunction with the primary procedure. This code should not be reported as a standalone code. It is typically reported in addition to CPT codes 77295 and 77301. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 77293 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2014. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with lung cancer undergoes a respiratory motion management simulation in preparation for 3D radiotherapy.
2. A patient with liver cancer undergoes a respiratory motion management simulation in preparation for IMRT.
3. A patient with prostate cancer undergoes a respiratory motion management simulation in preparation for 3D radiotherapy.
4. A patient with breast cancer undergoes a respiratory motion management simulation in preparation for IMRT.
5. A patient with brain tumor undergoes a respiratory motion management simulation in preparation for 3D radiotherapy.
6. A patient with head and neck cancer undergoes a respiratory motion management simulation in preparation for IMRT.
7. A patient with pancreatic cancer undergoes a respiratory motion management simulation in preparation for 3D radiotherapy.
8. A patient with cervical cancer undergoes a respiratory motion management simulation in preparation for IMRT.
9. A patient with esophageal cancer undergoes a respiratory motion management simulation in preparation for 3D radiotherapy.
10. A patient with colorectal cancer undergoes a respiratory motion management simulation in preparation for IMRT.