How To Use CPT Code 77399

CPT 77399 describes procedures related to medical radiation physics, dosimetry, and treatment devices that do not have a specific code. 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 77399?

CPT 77399 can be used to report procedures that are related to medical radiation physics, dosimetry, and treatment devices, but do not have a specific code. This code is used when there is no other specific code available to accurately describe the service provided by the healthcare professional.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77399 is: ‘Unlisted procedure, medical radiation physics, dosimetry and treatment devices, and special services.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare professional performs procedures related to medical radiation physics, dosimetry, and treatment devices.
2. These procedures are not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes available.
3. The healthcare professional selects CPT code 77399 to accurately report the service provided.
4. The specific details of the procedure should be documented and included in the claim submission.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77399 can be used when the healthcare professional performs services related to medical radiation physics, dosimetry, and treatment devices that are not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes available. This code should only be used when there is no other specific code that accurately describes the service provided.

5. When to use CPT code 77399

CPT code 77399 should be used when there is no other specific code available to accurately describe the procedure performed by the healthcare professional. It is important to note that this code should not be chosen if there is a code that approximates the service provided. Only use CPT code 77399 when there is no other appropriate code available.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 77399, the healthcare professional must provide a cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code instead of a defined, active code. The cover letter should include one or more similar codes and compare the service provided to those codes to justify the claim amount. Additionally, the operative notes or other relevant documentation should be included to strengthen the claim and avoid a possible denial.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 77399, it is important to ensure that there is no other specific code available to accurately describe the procedure performed. If a Category III code is available, it should be reported instead of using an unlisted procedure code. The healthcare professional should submit a cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code and provide documentation to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT code 77399 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare professional performs a procedure related to medical radiation physics, dosimetry, and treatment devices that does not have a specific code.
2. The healthcare professional selects CPT code 77399 to accurately report the service provided.
3. A cover letter is submitted with the claim, explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code and providing documentation to support the claim.
4. The claim is reviewed by the payer on a case-by-case basis, and payment is determined based on the documentation provided.
5. The healthcare professional receives reimbursement for the procedure performed.
6. Another healthcare professional performs a similar procedure related to medical radiation physics, dosimetry, and treatment devices that does not have a specific code.
7. They also select CPT code 77399 to accurately report the service provided.
8. A cover letter is submitted with the claim, explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code and providing documentation to support the claim.
9. The claim is reviewed by the payer, and payment is determined based on the documentation provided.
10. The healthcare professional receives reimbursement for the procedure performed.