How To Use CPT Code 77600

CPT 77600 describes the use of hyperthermia, an externally generated therapeutic technique that exposes body tissue near the surface to high temperatures of up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. 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 77600?

CPT 77600 is used to describe the application of hyperthermia, a therapeutic technique that exposes tissue near the surface of a body site to high temperatures. This technique is used to treat cancer and involves the use of external applicators that direct energy to the target area or tumor. The provider attaches temperature sensors to the skin above or near the tumor to ensure that the desired temperature is reached but not exceeded. Hyperthermia is typically performed in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapy treatments to improve their effectiveness.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77600 is: ‘Hyperthermia, externally generated; superficial (i.e., heating to a depth of 4 cm or less).’ This code specifically refers to the application of hyperthermia to tissue near the surface of the body.

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the hyperthermia treatment, ensuring that the target area or tumor is appropriately exposed.
2. External applicators are placed to direct energy to the target area, and temperature sensors are attached to monitor the temperature.
3. The provider administers a moderate anesthesia to ease any discomfort experienced by the patient.
4. The provider begins the warming process, gradually increasing the temperature to the desired level.
5. The provider monitors the patient for at least two hours to ensure the desired temperature is maintained and to address any potential complications.
6. The hyperthermia treatment is performed in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapy treatments.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77600 is used for patients who require hyperthermia treatment for cancer. This treatment is primarily used for local recurrence of breast cancer or the chest wall, superficial malignant melanoma lesions, and other cancers that are on or just below the skin. The provider must ensure that the treatment is superficial, meaning it does not penetrate deeper than 4 cm.

5. When to use CPT code 77600

CPT code 77600 should be used when a provider performs hyperthermia treatment on tissue near the surface of the body, up to a depth of 4 cm. This code is specifically for superficial hyperthermia and should not be used for deeper tissue treatments. It is important to note that hyperthermia is typically performed in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapy treatments.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77600, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for hyperthermia treatment
• Specific details of the hyperthermia treatment, including the target area or tumor
• Temperature measurements and monitoring during the treatment
• Duration of the treatment
• Any complications or adverse reactions
• Signature of the provider performing the treatment

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77600, ensure that the treatment meets the criteria for superficial hyperthermia and does not penetrate deeper than 4 cm. It is important to note that hyperthermia is typically performed in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapy treatments. Modifier 26 should be appended to the radiology code if reporting only the physician’s portion of the service, while modifier TC should be appended if reporting only the technical component. However, payer policies may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. If reporting a global service in which one provider renders both the professional and technical components, no modifier is necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 77600 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 provider performs superficial hyperthermia treatment on a patient with a recurrent breast cancer lesion near the surface of the skin.
2. A patient with a superficial malignant melanoma lesion receives hyperthermia treatment to enhance the effects of radiation therapy.
3. A provider applies hyperthermia treatment to a superficial tumor on the chest wall, in conjunction with chemotherapy.
4. A patient with a superficial tumor just below the skin receives hyperthermia treatment to improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy.
5. A provider performs hyperthermia treatment on a patient with a superficial tumor on the arm, in conjunction with chemotherapy.
6. A patient with a superficial tumor on the leg receives hyperthermia treatment to enhance the effects of radiation therapy.
7. A provider applies hyperthermia treatment to a superficial tumor on the back, in conjunction with chemotherapy.
8. A patient with a superficial tumor on the abdomen receives hyperthermia treatment to improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy.
9. A provider performs hyperthermia treatment on a patient with a superficial tumor on the neck, in conjunction with chemotherapy.
10. A patient with a superficial tumor on the face receives hyperthermia treatment to enhance the effects of radiation therapy.