How To Use CPT Code 77401

CPT 77401 describes the technical component of a procedure in which radiation treatment is delivered using superficial and/or ortho voltage, per day. 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 77401?

CPT 77401 can be used to describe the technical component of a procedure in which radiation treatment is delivered using superficial and/or ortho voltage, per day. This code is used when a provider places the patient on a table and delivers the radiation beam to the targeted body area using an external source of radiation. The radiation used in this procedure is of low energy levels that do not penetrate very deeply into the body.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77401 is: ‘Radiation treatment delivery, superficial and/or ortho voltage, per day.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider places the patient on a table.
2. The provider delivers the radiation beam to the targeted body area using an external source of radiation.
3. The radiation used is of superficial and/or ortho voltage, which are low energy levels that do not penetrate very deeply into the body.
4. This procedure is typically used in the treatment of superficial skin cancers.
5. Each day of treatment requires the use of CPT code 77401.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77401 is used for patients who require radiation treatment using superficial and/or ortho voltage. This procedure is commonly used in the treatment of superficial skin cancers. The provider must deliver the radiation treatment using an external source of radiation and the energy levels used should be of superficial and/or ortho voltage, which do not penetrate very deeply into the body.

5. When to use CPT code 77401

CPT code 77401 should be used when a provider delivers radiation treatment using superficial and/or ortho voltage, per day. This code should be used for each day of treatment. It is important to note that CPT code 77401 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 77373.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 77401, the provider must document the following information:

• Specific details of the radiation treatment delivered
• Date(s) of the treatment
• Start and end time of each treatment session
• Location of the targeted body area
• Signature of the provider delivering the treatment

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 77401, ensure that the provider is delivering radiation treatment using superficial and/or ortho voltage, per day. It is important to note that CPT code 77401 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 77373. Providers should also consider the range of radiation treatment delivery codes (77399-77417) when selecting the appropriate code for billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 77401 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1991. The code was later changed on January 1, 2015 to specify that it represents radiation treatment delivery using superficial and/or ortho voltage.

9. Examples

1. A provider delivering radiation treatment using superficial voltage for a patient with a superficial skin cancer.
2. A provider delivering radiation treatment using ortho voltage for a patient with a superficial skin cancer.
3. A provider delivering radiation treatment using superficial and ortho voltage for a patient with multiple superficial skin cancers.
4. A provider delivering radiation treatment using superficial voltage for a patient with a superficial skin cancer on the face.
5. A provider delivering radiation treatment using ortho voltage for a patient with a superficial skin cancer on the arm.
6. A provider delivering radiation treatment using superficial and ortho voltage for a patient with a superficial skin cancer on the leg.
7. A provider delivering radiation treatment using superficial voltage for a patient with a superficial skin cancer on the back.
8. A provider delivering radiation treatment using ortho voltage for a patient with a superficial skin cancer on the chest.
9. A provider delivering radiation treatment using superficial and ortho voltage for a patient with a superficial skin cancer on the abdomen.
10. A provider delivering radiation treatment using superficial voltage for a patient with a superficial skin cancer on the neck.