How To Use CPT Code 77402

CPT 77402 describes the technical component of a radiation treatment delivery procedure using a one MeV energy level or higher. 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 77402?

CPT 77402 can be used to describe the technical component of a radiation treatment delivery procedure. This code specifically applies to treatments using a one MeV energy level or higher. The procedure involves delivering radiation to a treatment area using an external source of radiation, such as a linear accelerator. The provider places the patient on a table and uses various techniques to deliver the radiation beam to the targeted body area. The treatment may involve a single treatment area, one or two ports, and zero, one, or two simple blocks to shield healthy tissue from radiation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77402 is: ‘Radiation treatment delivery, >/=1 MeV; simple.’ This code represents the technical component of a radiation treatment delivery procedure using a one MeV energy level or higher. It is important to note that CPT code 77402 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 77373.

3. Procedure

1. The provider places the patient on a table in preparation for the radiation treatment delivery.
2. Using an external source of radiation, such as a linear accelerator, the provider delivers a radiation beam to the targeted body area.
3. The treatment involves a single treatment area, one or two ports, and zero, one, or two simple blocks.
4. The provider may use techniques such as external beam radiotherapy to deliver the radiation dose deep within the areas where the cancer exists.
5. The energy level used for the treatment is equal to or greater than one MeV.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77402 is appropriate for patients who require radiation treatment delivery using a one MeV energy level or higher. The procedure is typically used for the treatment of cancerous tumors. The treatment may involve a single treatment area, one or two ports, and zero, one, or two simple blocks to shield healthy tissue from radiation.

5. When to use CPT code 77402

CPT code 77402 should be used when the provider is performing the technical component of a radiation treatment delivery procedure using a one MeV energy level or higher. It is important to note that CPT code 77402 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 77373.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 77402, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for radiation treatment delivery
• Specific details of the procedure, including the treatment area, number of ports, and use of blocks
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Energy level used for the treatment
• Any additional relevant information or complications

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 77402, ensure that the procedure involves the technical component of radiation treatment delivery using a one MeV energy level or higher. It is important to note that CPT code 77402 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 77373. Additionally, there are other codes available for more complex radiation treatment delivery procedures, such as CPT code 77412 for complex treatments involving multiple treatment areas and specialized blocking.

8. Historical information

CPT code 77402 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1991. Since its addition, there have been several updates to the code, including changes to the code description and historical changes related to the energy level and complexity of the treatment.

9. Examples

1. A provider delivers radiation treatment to a patient’s breast using a one MeV energy level.
2. A patient receives radiation treatment for lung cancer using a one MeV energy level and two ports.
3. A provider performs radiation treatment for prostate cancer using a one MeV energy level and one simple block.
4. A patient undergoes radiation treatment for brain tumor using a one MeV energy level and two ports.
5. A provider administers radiation treatment for cervical cancer using a one MeV energy level and no blocks.
6. A patient receives radiation treatment for head and neck cancer using a one MeV energy level and one port.
7. A provider performs radiation treatment for liver cancer using a one MeV energy level and two simple blocks.
8. A patient undergoes radiation treatment for bone metastasis using a one MeV energy level and one port.
9. A provider administers radiation treatment for esophageal cancer using a one MeV energy level and no blocks.
10. A patient receives radiation treatment for pancreatic cancer using a one MeV energy level and two ports.