How To Use CPT Code 77317

CPT 77317 describes the intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy, which involves plotting the radiation distribution around the brachytherapy source to effectively treat the tumor while protecting surrounding tissues. 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 77317?

CPT 77317 can be used to describe the intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy. In this procedure, the provider uses five to ten radiation sources or two to twelve channels for afterloading to calculate the right dose based on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. The goal is to plot the lines of equal radiation dose to the target area and protect the surrounding tissues from unwanted radiation exposure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77317 is: ‘Brachytherapy isodose plan; intermediate (calculation[s] made from 5 to 10 sources, or remote afterloading brachytherapy, 2-12 channels), includes basic dosimetry calculation(s).’ This code includes the calculation of the dose and is used for intermediate planning using five to ten radiation sources or two to twelve channels for afterloading.

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy.
2. They plot the radiation distribution around the brachytherapy source to expose the tumor area to the radiation while protecting the surrounding tissue.
3. They calculate the right dose based on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
4. Lines of equal radiation dose to the target area are plotted, and the dosage to the surrounding tissues is noted.
5. This process includes using five to ten radiation sources or two to twelve channels for afterloading.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77317 is used for intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy. It is performed when the provider needs to plot the radiation distribution around the brachytherapy source using five to ten radiation sources or two to twelve channels for afterloading. This procedure is typically done to treat cancer and requires the calculation of the right dose based on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.

5. When to use CPT code 77317

CPT code 77317 should be used when the provider performs intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using five to ten radiation sources or two to twelve channels for afterloading. It is appropriate for cases where the provider needs to plot the radiation distribution around the brachytherapy source and calculate the right dose based on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77317, the provider must document the following information:

• Type and stage of the cancer being treated
• Number of radiation sources or channels used for afterloading
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the radiation distribution plotted and the dosage to the target area and surrounding tissues
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77317, ensure that the provider performs intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using the specified number of radiation sources or channels for afterloading. This code includes the calculation of the dose, so do not report additional codes for dosimetry calculations. For simple brachytherapy planning, use CPT code 77316, and for complex brachytherapy planning, use CPT code 77318.

8. Historical information

CPT 77317 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 radiation oncologist performs intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using eight radiation sources for afterloading to treat a patient with cervical cancer.
2. A medical physicist calculates the right dose and plots the radiation distribution around the brachytherapy source using six channels for afterloading to treat a patient with prostate cancer.
3. A radiation therapist assists in the intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using ten radiation sources for afterloading to treat a patient with breast cancer.
4. A radiation oncologist performs intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using five radiation sources for afterloading to treat a patient with lung cancer.
5. A medical physicist calculates the right dose and plots the radiation distribution around the brachytherapy source using twelve channels for afterloading to treat a patient with head and neck cancer.
6. A radiation therapist assists in the intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using seven radiation sources for afterloading to treat a patient with rectal cancer.
7. A radiation oncologist performs intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using nine radiation sources for afterloading to treat a patient with skin cancer.
8. A medical physicist calculates the right dose and plots the radiation distribution around the brachytherapy source using four channels for afterloading to treat a patient with esophageal cancer.
9. A radiation therapist assists in the intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using six radiation sources for afterloading to treat a patient with liver cancer.
10. A radiation oncologist performs intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using ten radiation sources for afterloading to treat a patient with pancreatic cancer.