How To Use CPT Code 77424

CPT 77424 describes the delivery of intraoperative radiation treatment using X-rays in a single treatment session. 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 77424?

CPT 77424 can be used to describe the delivery of intraoperative radiation treatment using X-rays in a single treatment session. This code is used when the provider administers radiation therapy directly to the exposed tumor during surgery. The goal of this procedure is to deliver a high dose of radiation precisely to the target area while minimizing exposure to surrounding normal tissue.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77424 is: ‘Intraoperative radiation treatment delivery, x-ray, single treatment session.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider removes the tumor, leaving a cavity where the tumor was located.
2. An applicator is placed into the cavity to deliver radiation to the target areas.
3. The provider uses X-rays to administer the radiation in a single treatment session.
4. This procedure is typically used to treat deeper lying cancers that are difficult to remove completely during surgery.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77424 is used for patients who require intraoperative radiation treatment using X-rays. This procedure is performed by radiation oncologists or other qualified providers. It is used to treat cancers that are difficult to remove completely during surgery, and the goal is to deliver radiation precisely to the target area while minimizing exposure to surrounding normal tissue.

5. When to use CPT code 77424

CPT code 77424 should be used when the provider delivers intraoperative radiation treatment using X-rays in a single treatment session. This code is specific to X-ray treatment and should not be used for other types of radiation therapy. It is important to accurately document the use of X-rays and the single treatment session to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77424, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for intraoperative radiation treatment
• Use of X-rays for the treatment
• Date and duration of the single treatment session
• Details of the target areas and any specific techniques used
• Any additional relevant information, such as the use of applicators or other devices

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77424, ensure that the provider has delivered intraoperative radiation treatment using X-rays in a single treatment session. This code should not be reported with other codes for radiation treatment delivery. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and accurately document the use of X-rays and the single treatment session to support the billing of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 77424 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2012. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiation oncologist delivering intraoperative radiation treatment using X-rays in a single treatment session for a patient with a deep-seated tumor.
2. A surgeon performing a tumor resection and then collaborating with a radiation oncologist to administer intraoperative radiation treatment using X-rays in a single treatment session.
3. A patient undergoing surgery for a difficult-to-remove cancerous tumor and receiving intraoperative radiation treatment using X-rays in a single treatment session to target residual cancer cells.
4. A provider using X-rays to deliver intraoperative radiation treatment in a single treatment session for a patient with a tumor located near critical structures.
5. A radiation oncologist using X-rays to deliver intraoperative radiation treatment in a single treatment session for a patient with a recurrent tumor.
6. A provider delivering intraoperative radiation treatment using X-rays in a single treatment session for a patient with a tumor that cannot be completely removed due to its location.
7. A patient undergoing surgery for a tumor and receiving intraoperative radiation treatment using X-rays in a single treatment session to minimize the risk of recurrence.
8. A provider using X-rays to deliver intraoperative radiation treatment in a single treatment session for a patient with a tumor that is resistant to other forms of treatment.
9. A radiation oncologist collaborating with a surgical team to deliver intraoperative radiation treatment using X-rays in a single treatment session for a patient with a complex tumor.
10. A patient undergoing surgery for a tumor and receiving intraoperative radiation treatment using X-rays in a single treatment session to improve the chances of a successful outcome.