How To Use CPT Code 77605

CPT 77605 describes the use of hyperthermia, an externally generated therapeutic technique that exposes body tissue deeper than 4cm to high temperatures, to treat cancer. 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 77605?

CPT 77605 can be used to describe the use of hyperthermia, a therapeutic technique that exposes tissue deeper than 4cm in a body site to high temperatures, to treat cancer. This code is used when the provider positions external applicators around the body cavity or organ to be treated, directing the energy at the target area or tumor. The provider also attaches temperature sensors to the skin above or near the tumor to ensure the desired temperature is reached, but not exceeded.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77605 is: ‘Hyperthermia, externally generated; deep (ie, heating to depths greater than 4 cm).’

3. Procedure

1. The provider preps and positions the patient appropriately.
2. External applicators are positioned around the body cavity or organ to be treated.
3. The provider directs the energy at the target area or tumor.
4. Temperature sensors are attached to the skin above or near the tumor to monitor the temperature.
5. The provider administers a moderate anesthesia to ease discomfort.
6. The provider completes the heat distribution phase and continues to monitor the patient for two hours or more.
7. The hyperthermia treatment is performed along with radiation or chemotherapy.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77605 is used for patients who require hyperthermia treatment for cancer. The treatment is performed by a provider who positions external applicators around the body cavity or organ to be treated and directs the energy at the target area or tumor. The provider must ensure that the temperature of the target area or tumor is reached, but not exceeded. The treatment is typically performed in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapy to improve their effectiveness.

5. When to use CPT code 77605

CPT code 77605 should be used when a provider performs hyperthermia treatment by exposing tissue deeper than 4cm to high temperatures. This code is specifically used for deep hyperthermia, where the target area or tumor is heated to depths greater than 4cm. It is important to note that CPT code 77605 should not be used for superficial hyperthermia, which involves heating tissue at depths less than 4cm.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77605, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for hyperthermia treatment
• Specific details of the treatment, including the type and number of applicators used
• Temperature measurements and monitoring during the treatment
• Duration of the treatment and any additional monitoring or follow-up required
• Signature of the provider performing the treatment

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77605, ensure that the treatment meets the criteria for deep hyperthermia, with tissue exposed to high temperatures at depths greater than 4cm. It is important to accurately document the details of the treatment and any additional monitoring or follow-up required. CPT code 77605 should not be reported with other codes unless the provider is reporting the professional or technical component separately. Modifier 26 should be appended to the radiology code if reporting only the physician’s portion, and modifier TC should be appended if reporting only the technical component.

8. Historical information

CPT 77605 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 deep hyperthermia treatment on a patient with cervical cancer, using external applicators to heat the tumor to depths greater than 4cm.
2. A patient with bladder cancer undergoes deep hyperthermia treatment, with the provider positioning applicators around the bladder to deliver high temperatures to the tumor.
3. A provider performs deep hyperthermia treatment on a patient with liver cancer, using external applicators to heat the tumor to depths greater than 4cm.
4. A patient with lung cancer receives deep hyperthermia treatment, with the provider directing energy at the tumor using external applicators.
5. A provider performs deep hyperthermia treatment on a patient with pancreatic cancer, using external applicators to heat the tumor to depths greater than 4cm.
6. A patient with prostate cancer undergoes deep hyperthermia treatment, with the provider positioning applicators around the prostate to deliver high temperatures to the tumor.
7. A provider performs deep hyperthermia treatment on a patient with breast cancer, using external applicators to heat the tumor to depths greater than 4cm.
8. A patient with brain cancer receives deep hyperthermia treatment, with the provider directing energy at the tumor using external applicators.
9. A provider performs deep hyperthermia treatment on a patient with colorectal cancer, using external applicators to heat the tumor to depths greater than 4cm.
10. A patient with ovarian cancer undergoes deep hyperthermia treatment, with the provider positioning applicators around the ovaries to deliver high temperatures to the tumor.