How To Use CPT Code 77373

CPT 77373 describes the technical component of stereotactic body radiation therapy, which involves delivering high doses of radiation to small, well-defined tumors inside the body. 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 77373?

CPT 77373 can be used to describe the technical component of stereotactic body radiation therapy. This procedure involves delivering high doses of radiation to small, well-defined tumors inside the body using a three-dimensional coordinate system. The goal is to destroy the tumors with precision while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. CPT 77373 covers the delivery of radiation treatment for a single fraction of a course, which typically consists of up to five fractions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77373 is: ‘Stereotactic body radiation therapy, treatment delivery, per fraction to 1 or more lesions, including image guidance, entire course not to exceed 5 fractions.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider identifies the target area inside the body using the stereotactic method, which involves importing CT or MRI images into a computer system to create three-dimensional images of the internal body structure.
2. The provider delivers a few very high doses of radiation to the small, well-defined tumors inside the body.
3. The radiation treatment is fractionated, meaning the total dose is spread out over time to allow normal cells to recover while tumor cells are less efficient in repair between fractions.
4. The provider may destroy one or more lesions per fraction, but the entire course of treatment should not exceed five fractions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77373 is used for patients who require stereotactic body radiation therapy for small, well-defined tumors inside the body. The procedure is typically performed by a radiation oncologist or other qualified healthcare professional. It is important to note that CPT 77373 should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes, such as 77385, 77386, 77401, 77402, 77407, and 77412. For single fraction cranial lesions, a different code, such as 77371 or 77372, should be used.

5. When to use CPT code 77373

CPT code 77373 should be used when a provider is delivering stereotactic body radiation therapy to one or more lesions inside the body. This code covers the treatment delivery for a single fraction of the therapy course. If multiple fractions are delivered, each fraction should be reported separately using CPT code 77373.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77373, the provider must document the following information:

• Identification of the target area inside the body using the stereotactic method
• Total number of fractions delivered
• Specific lesions treated
• Start and end dates of the treatment course
• Details of the radiation delivery, including image guidance
• Any adjustments made during treatment based on patient movement
• Assessment of imaging used for localization

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77373, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional and that the treatment delivery does not exceed five fractions. It is important to note that CPT 77373 should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes, as mentioned earlier. Providers should also report code 77435 for radiation treatment management services related to CPT 77373.

8. Historical information

CPT 77373 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2007. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiation oncologist delivering stereotactic body radiation therapy to a small lung tumor in a single fraction.
2. A healthcare professional using the stereotactic method to deliver high doses of radiation to a liver tumor over the course of three fractions.
3. A provider delivering stereotactic body radiation therapy to multiple brain lesions in five fractions.
4. A radiation oncologist treating a spinal tumor with stereotactic radiation therapy in a single fraction.
5. A qualified healthcare professional delivering stereotactic body radiation therapy to a kidney tumor over the course of four fractions.
6. A provider using the stereotactic method to deliver radiation treatment to a bone tumor in a single fraction.
7. A radiation oncologist treating a pancreatic tumor with stereotactic body radiation therapy in three fractions.
8. A healthcare professional delivering stereotactic radiation therapy to a prostate tumor in a single fraction.
9. A provider using the stereotactic method to deliver radiation treatment to a breast tumor over the course of two fractions.
10. A radiation oncologist treating a lymph node with stereotactic body radiation therapy in a single fraction.