How To Use CPT Code 77332

CPT 77332 describes the use of simple treatment devices in radiation therapy to ensure accurate dose delivery to the tumor while protecting nearby healthy 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 77332?

CPT 77332 can be used to describe the participation of a provider in the design, construction, and selection of simple treatment devices for radiation therapy. These devices, such as simple blocks or simple boluses, are used to deliver the appropriate radiation dose to the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77332 is: ‘Treatment devices, design and construction; simple (simple block, simple bolus).’ This code encompasses the provider’s involvement in the design and construction of simple treatment devices used in radiation therapy.

3. Procedure

1. The provider plays a crucial role in selecting, designing, and constructing simple treatment devices, such as simple blocks or simple boluses.
2. These devices are specifically designed to minimize radiation exposure to normal tissues while maximizing the radiation dose to the tumor site.
3. Simple blocks are made of a special alloy called Cerrobend®, which has radiation-absorbing properties.
4. Simple boluses, on the other hand, are additional materials, like rubber-like pieces, used to compensate for missing tissue or provide a buildup of dosage to the skin surface in uneven areas.
5. Providers may select prefabricated simple devices or customize them based on the patient’s unique needs.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Providers use CPT 77332 when they participate in the design, construction, and selection of simple treatment devices for radiation therapy. These devices are used to ensure accurate dose delivery to the tumor and protection of nearby healthy tissues. Examples of simple treatment devices include simple blocks and simple boluses.

5. When to use CPT code 77332

CPT code 77332 should be used when the provider is actively involved in the design, construction, and selection of simple treatment devices for radiation therapy. It is important to note that this code has both professional and technical components, and modifiers may need to be appended based on the specific circumstances of the service provided.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77332, the provider must document the following information:

• Justification for the use of simple treatment devices
• Details of the specific devices used, such as simple blocks or simple boluses
• Documentation of the provider’s involvement in the design and construction process
• Any additional relevant information regarding the use of the treatment devices

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77332, it is important to ensure that the provider’s services are accurately represented. Modifiers may need to be appended to indicate the professional or technical component of the service. Additionally, it is crucial to review payer policies regarding the use of modifiers and any specific requirements for reporting CPT 77332.

8. Historical information

CPT 77332 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiation oncologist designs a simple block to shield healthy tissues during radiation therapy for a patient with lung cancer.
2. A medical physicist constructs a simple bolus to ensure proper dosage buildup for a patient receiving radiation therapy for a nasal tumor.
3. A radiation therapist selects and modifies a simple block to protect critical structures during radiation treatment for a patient with brain metastases.
4. A dosimetrist designs a simple bolus to compensate for missing tissue in a patient undergoing radiation therapy for a breast tumor.
5. A radiation oncologist participates in the construction of a simple block to shape the radiation beam for a patient with prostate cancer.
6. A medical physicist designs a simple bolus to provide a uniform dose distribution for a patient receiving radiation therapy for a skin lesion.
7. A radiation therapist selects and modifies a simple block to protect the spinal cord during radiation treatment for a patient with spinal metastases.
8. A dosimetrist constructs a simple bolus to ensure proper dosage buildup for a patient undergoing radiation therapy for a tongue tumor.
9. A radiation oncologist designs a simple block to shield critical organs during radiation treatment for a patient with liver cancer.
10. A medical physicist constructs a simple bolus to compensate for missing tissue in a patient receiving radiation therapy for a head and neck tumor.