How To Use CPT Code 77318

CPT 77318 describes the intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy, which involves using over 10 radiation sources or over 12 channels for afterloading. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 77318?

CPT 77318 can be used to describe the intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy. This procedure involves the use of over 10 radiation sources or over 12 channels for afterloading. Isodose planning refers to plotting the radiation distribution around the brachytherapy source to expose the tumor area to the radiation while protecting the surrounding tissue from unwanted radiation exposure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77318 is: ‘Brachytherapy isodose plan; complex (calculation[s] made from over 10 sources, or remote afterloading brachytherapy, over 12 channels), includes basic dosimetry calculation(s).’ This code should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 77300.

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy.
2. He uses over 10 radiation sources or over 12 channels for afterloading.
3. The provider calculates the right dose based on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
4. He plots the lines of equal radiation dose to the target area and notes the dosage to the surrounding tissues.
5. This process includes complex planning using over 10 sources of radiation or over 12 channels for afterloading.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77318 is used for intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy. This procedure requires the use of over 10 radiation sources or over 12 channels for afterloading. It is performed to treat various types and stages of cancer, and the provider must calculate the right dose based on the specific case. The goal is to expose the tumor area to the radiation while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

5. When to use CPT code 77318

CPT code 77318 should be used when the provider performs intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using over 10 radiation sources or over 12 channels for afterloading. This code is appropriate for cases where the complexity of the treatment requires a more detailed and extensive planning process.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77318, the provider must document the following information:

• Type and stage of the cancer being treated
• Number of radiation sources or channels used for afterloading
• Calculation of the right dose based on the specific case
• Lines of equal radiation dose plotted to the target area
• Dosage to the surrounding tissues

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77318, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using over 10 radiation sources or over 12 channels for afterloading. It should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 77300. Follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 77318 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 15 radiation sources for afterloading to treat a patient with cervical cancer.
2. A medical physicist calculates the right dose and plots the lines of equal radiation dose for a patient with prostate cancer undergoing intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using 12 channels for afterloading.
3. A radiation therapist performs complex isodose planning for brachytherapy using 11 radiation sources for afterloading to treat a patient with breast cancer.
4. A radiation oncologist plans the radiation distribution for a patient with lung cancer undergoing intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using 14 channels for afterloading.
5. A medical physicist calculates the appropriate dose and plots the lines of equal radiation dose for a patient with head and neck cancer undergoing intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using 13 radiation sources for afterloading.
6. A radiation therapist performs complex isodose planning for brachytherapy using 16 channels for afterloading to treat a patient with rectal cancer.
7. A radiation oncologist plans the radiation distribution for a patient with brain tumor undergoing intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using 10 radiation sources for afterloading.
8. A medical physicist calculates the right dose and plots the lines of equal radiation dose for a patient with liver cancer undergoing intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using 12 channels for afterloading.
9. A radiation therapist performs complex isodose planning for brachytherapy using 13 radiation sources for afterloading to treat a patient with esophageal cancer.
10. A radiation oncologist plans the radiation distribution for a patient with pancreatic cancer undergoing intermediate level isodose planning for brachytherapy using 11 channels for afterloading.