How To Use CPT Code 77333

CPT 77333 describes the design and construction of intermediate treatment devices used in 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 77333?

CPT 77333 can be used to report the design and construction of intermediate treatment devices such as multiple blocks, stents, bite blocks, or a special bolus. These devices are used in radiation therapy to ensure proper dose delivery to the tumor while protecting nearby healthy tissues.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77333 is: ‘Treatment devices, design and construction; intermediate (multiple blocks, stents, bite blocks, special bolus)’. This code is used when the provider participates in the design and construction of specialized treatment devices to optimize radiation delivery and protect normal tissue.

3. Procedure

1. The provider designs and constructs intermediate treatment devices such as multiple blocks, stents, bite blocks, or a special bolus.
2. These devices are used to minimize radiation exposure to healthy tissues while maximizing the radiation dose to the tumor site.
3. Blocks are made of a special alloy called Cerrobend®, which absorbs radiation.
4. A bolus is an additional material, like a flat piece of rubber, used to compensate for missing tissue or provide a buildup of dosage to the skin surface.
5. Bite blocks are used in oral radiation therapy to spare parts of the mouth during treatment.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77333 is used when the provider designs and constructs intermediate treatment devices to optimize radiation therapy. These devices are used to protect normal tissue and ensure accurate dose delivery to the tumor site. Examples of such devices include multiple blocks, stents, bite blocks, or a special bolus.

5. When to use CPT code 77333

CPT code 77333 should be used when the provider is involved in the design and construction of intermediate treatment devices for radiation therapy. It is important to accurately report this code when these devices are utilized to ensure proper reimbursement and documentation.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77333, the provider must document the following information:

• Description of the intermediate treatment device designed and constructed
• Date of the design and construction
• Explanation of how the device optimizes radiation delivery and protects normal tissue
• Any additional relevant details about the device and its usage
• Signature of the provider involved in the design and construction

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77333, ensure that the provider is actively involved in the design and construction of intermediate treatment devices. It is important to follow payer policies and guidelines regarding the use of modifiers, such as modifier 26 for the professional component or modifier TC for the technical component. If reporting a global service, where one provider renders both the professional and technical components, modifiers may not be necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 77333 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 therapist designs and constructs a specialized bite block to protect the patient’s tongue during oral radiation therapy.
2. A medical physicist creates multiple blocks to shape the radiation beam and protect critical structures during treatment.
3. A radiation oncologist designs and constructs a special bolus to ensure proper dose delivery to a patient’s nose during radiation therapy for a nasal tumor.
4. A dosimetrist designs and constructs stents to accurately position the patient’s limbs during radiation therapy for extremity tumors.
5. A radiation therapist designs and constructs a customized mold to immobilize a patient’s head during brain radiation therapy.
6. A medical physicist designs and constructs a specialized compensator to modulate the radiation beam and deliver a uniform dose to a complex-shaped tumor.
7. A radiation oncologist designs and constructs multiple blocks to shape the radiation beam and protect critical structures during treatment for a pelvic tumor.
8. A dosimetrist designs and constructs a special bolus to provide a buildup of dosage to the skin surface during radiation therapy for a superficial tumor.
9. A radiation therapist designs and constructs a bite block to protect the patient’s teeth during oral radiation therapy.
10. A medical physicist creates multiple blocks to shape the radiation beam and protect critical structures during treatment for a thoracic tumor.