How To Use CPT Code 77306

CPT 77306 describes the process of teletherapy isodose planning for external beam radiation therapy. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 77306?

CPT 77306 can be used to describe the teletherapy isodose planning for external beam radiation therapy. This code is used when the provider arranges one or two parallel opposed treatment ports to achieve the isodose beam arrangement for the treatment field. The provider also calculates the appropriate dose based on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77306 is: ‘Teletherapy isodose plan; simple (1 or 2 unmodified ports directed to a single area of interest), includes basic dosimetry calculation(s).’ This code includes the planning and calculation of the radiation dose for the treatment field.

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs teletherapy isodose planning, which involves plotting lines to achieve equal intensity of radiation dose to the treatment field.
2. The provider calculates the appropriate dose and method of radiation therapy based on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
3. The provider uses various factors to calculate the dose and determine the optimal angle to place the treatment ports.
4. The provider ensures equal intensity of radiation distribution over the treatment area.
5. The provider places one or two unmodified ports, parallel and opposite to target a common treatment area.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77306 is used for teletherapy isodose planning for external beam radiation therapy. It is typically performed for patients with cancer who require radiation treatment. The provider calculates the appropriate dose and method of radiation therapy based on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. The treatment ports are placed to target a specific treatment area.

5. When to use CPT code 77306

CPT code 77306 should be used when the provider performs teletherapy isodose planning for external beam radiation therapy. This code is appropriate for cases where one or two unmodified ports are directed to a single area of interest. If the treatment involves tangential ports or multiple treatment areas, a different code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77306, the provider must document the following information:

• Type and stage of the cancer being treated
• Calculation of the radiation dose and method of radiation therapy
• Placement of the treatment ports and the target treatment area
• Any additional factors considered in the dose calculation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77306, ensure that the provider performs teletherapy isodose planning for external beam radiation therapy. This code includes the calculation of the radiation dose, so do not report additional codes for dosimetry calculations. If the treatment involves tangential ports or multiple treatment areas, a different code should be used. Be aware of any specific guidelines or modifiers required by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT 77306 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2015. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performing teletherapy isodose planning for a patient with breast cancer, using one treatment port directed to the tumor site.
2. A provider calculating the radiation dose and planning the treatment for a patient with lung cancer, using two treatment ports directed to the tumor site.
3. A provider performing teletherapy isodose planning for a patient with prostate cancer, using one treatment port directed to the prostate gland.
4. A provider calculating the radiation dose and planning the treatment for a patient with brain tumor, using two treatment ports directed to the tumor site.
5. A provider performing teletherapy isodose planning for a patient with cervical cancer, using one treatment port directed to the tumor site.
6. A provider calculating the radiation dose and planning the treatment for a patient with head and neck cancer, using two treatment ports directed to the tumor site.
7. A provider performing teletherapy isodose planning for a patient with colorectal cancer, using one treatment port directed to the tumor site.
8. A provider calculating the radiation dose and planning the treatment for a patient with liver cancer, using two treatment ports directed to the tumor site.
9. A provider performing teletherapy isodose planning for a patient with pancreatic cancer, using one treatment port directed to the tumor site.
10. A provider calculating the radiation dose and planning the treatment for a patient with bone cancer, using two treatment ports directed to the tumor site.