How To Use CPT Code 77610

CPT 77610 describes the use of interstitial probe(s) to generate hyperthermia for the treatment of tumors. 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 77610?

CPT 77610 can be used to describe the use of interstitial probe(s) to generate hyperthermia for the treatment of tumors. This code is used when a provider inserts one to five probes or needles into a tumor and applies heat to raise the temperature of the tumor higher than external applications of hyperthermia techniques.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77610 is: ‘Hyperthermia generated by interstitial probe(s); 5 or fewer interstitial applicators.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and inserts one to five probes or needles into the tumor.
2. The provider then applies heat to the tumor using a heat source, such as radiofrequency ablation.
3. Temperature measurements are taken at and between the antennas to ensure the desired temperature is reached but not exceeded.
4. The provider continues to monitor the patient post-treatment.
5. Hyperthermia is typically performed in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapy treatments.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77610 is used for patients with deep cancers, such as malignant brain tumors, recurrent breast cancer, prostate carcinomas, cervical cancer, and neck tumors. The procedure involves the use of interstitial probe(s) to generate hyperthermia, and it is performed in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapy treatments.

5. When to use CPT code 77610

CPT code 77610 should be used when a provider inserts one to five interstitial probes or needles into a tumor to generate hyperthermia. It is important to note that this code is not appropriate for external applications of hyperthermia techniques.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77610, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for hyperthermia treatment
• Number of probes or needles inserted
• Type of heat source used
• Temperature measurements taken during the procedure
• Monitoring of the patient post-treatment
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77610, ensure that the procedure involves the use of interstitial probe(s) and the generation of hyperthermia. It is important to follow payer policies regarding the use of modifiers for the professional and technical components of the service. If reporting only the physician’s portion, append modifier 26 to the radiology code. If reporting only the technical component, append modifier TC to the radiology code. However, note that payer policy may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. When reporting a global service in which one provider renders both the professional and technical components, do not append a professional or technical modifier to the radiology code.

8. Historical information

CPT 77610 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 inserts three interstitial probes into a malignant brain tumor and applies heat to generate hyperthermia.
2. A patient with recurrent breast cancer undergoes the insertion of two interstitial probes and receives hyperthermia treatment.
3. A provider inserts four interstitial needles into a prostate carcinoma and performs hyperthermia treatment.
4. A patient with cervical cancer undergoes the insertion of five interstitial probes and receives hyperthermia treatment.
5. A provider inserts one interstitial probe into a neck tumor and applies heat to generate hyperthermia.
6. A patient with a malignant brain tumor undergoes the insertion of three interstitial probes and receives hyperthermia treatment.
7. A provider inserts two interstitial probes into a recurrent breast cancer and performs hyperthermia treatment.
8. A patient with a prostate carcinoma undergoes the insertion of four interstitial needles and receives hyperthermia treatment.
9. A provider inserts five interstitial probes into a cervical cancer and applies heat to generate hyperthermia.
10. A patient with a neck tumor undergoes the insertion of one interstitial probe and receives hyperthermia treatment.