How To Use CPT Code 77371

CPT 77371 describes the technical component of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for the complete course of treatment of cranial lesion(s) consisting of 1 session using a multi-source Cobalt 60 system. 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 77371?

CPT 77371 can be used to describe the technical component of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for the complete course of treatment of cranial lesion(s) consisting of 1 session. This code specifically applies to the use of a multi-source Cobalt 60 system, which generates high energy gamma rays to destroy small targets or lesions inside the brain.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77371 is: ‘Radiation treatment delivery, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), complete course of treatment of cranial lesion(s) consisting of 1 session; multi-source Cobalt 60 based.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider uses a three-dimensional coordinate system to locate small targets or lesions inside the brain.
2. Previously taken CT or MRI images are imported into a computer system to provide three-dimensional images of the brain.
3. The patient is placed on a treatment table, and a robotic arm controlled by a computer focuses directly on the head.
4. A multi-source Cobalt 60 system, consisting of 201 separate cobalt-60 sources arranged in a steel shell, is used as a source of radiation.
5. The provider destroys one or more targets inside the brain, aiming to preserve adjacent normal tissue.
6. The complete treatment is performed in one session, and more than one brain lesion may be treated during the same session.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77371 is used for the complete course of treatment of cranial lesion(s) using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with a multi-source Cobalt 60 system. The provider must use a three-dimensional coordinate system to locate the targets or lesions inside the brain. The treatment aims to destroy the target tissue while preserving adjacent normal tissue. The procedure is performed in one session, and more than one brain lesion may be treated during the same session.

5. When to use CPT code 77371

CPT code 77371 should be used when a provider performs the complete course of treatment of cranial lesion(s) using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with a multi-source Cobalt 60 system. This code is appropriate for cases where the treatment is completed in one session and involves the destruction of one or more brain lesions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77371, the provider must document the following information:

• Identification of the cranial lesion(s) being treated
• Documentation of the use of a multi-source Cobalt 60 system
• Date of the treatment session
• Details of the treatment planning and administration
• Overall case management

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77371, ensure that the provider is performing the technical component of the stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) using a multi-source Cobalt 60 system. Modifier 26 or TC should not be appended to this code. The provider performing radiation treatment management should report CPT code 77432 for services such as clinical treatment planning, administration of treatment, and overall case management.

8. Historical information

CPT 77371 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2007. There have been no updates to the code since its addition. Previously, the code was described as the complete course of treatment of cerebral lesion(s) consisting of 1 session using a multi-source Cobalt 60 system.

9. Examples

1. A provider using a multi-source Cobalt 60 system to perform stereotactic radiosurgery for the complete course of treatment of a cranial lesion in one session.
2. A patient with multiple cranial lesions receiving stereotactic radiosurgery using a multi-source Cobalt 60 system in a single treatment session.
3. A provider using a three-dimensional coordinate system and a multi-source Cobalt 60 system to destroy a target inside the brain during a complete course of treatment for a cranial lesion.
4. A patient undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery with a multi-source Cobalt 60 system for the complete treatment of a cranial lesion in one session.
5. A provider performing the technical component of stereotactic radiosurgery using a multi-source Cobalt 60 system to treat a cranial lesion in a single session.
6. A patient with a cranial lesion receiving stereotactic radiosurgery using a multi-source Cobalt 60 system for the complete course of treatment in one session.
7. A provider using a multi-source Cobalt 60 system to perform stereotactic radiosurgery for the complete treatment of a cranial lesion in a single session.
8. A patient undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery with a multi-source Cobalt 60 system for the complete course of treatment of multiple cranial lesions in one session.
9. A provider using a three-dimensional coordinate system and a multi-source Cobalt 60 system to destroy one or more targets inside the brain during a complete course of treatment for cranial lesions.
10. A patient receiving stereotactic radiosurgery using a multi-source Cobalt 60 system for the complete treatment of cranial lesion(s) in a single session.