How To Use CPT Code 77771

CPT 77771 describes the procedure of remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial or intracavitary brachytherapy, which involves the placement of a catheter loaded with a high energy radioactive substance within the cancerous tissue or body cavity. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 77771?

CPT 77771 can be used to describe the procedure of remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial or intracavitary brachytherapy. This involves the placement of a catheter loaded with a high energy radioactive substance within the cancerous tissue (interstitial) or body cavity (intracavitary) using two to twelve channels. The procedure includes the calculation of the dose of the radioactive substance before loading it into the catheter.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77771 is: ‘Remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial or intracavitary brachytherapy, includes basic dosimetry, when performed; 2-12 channels.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider places a catheter loaded with a high energy radioactive substance within the cancerous tissue (interstitial) or body cavity (intracavitary).
2. The procedure involves the use of two to twelve channels for the placement of the catheter.
3. Before loading the radioactive substance into the catheter, the provider calculates the appropriate dose based on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
4. The provider uses a remote afterloader to automatically load the catheter with the high energy radioactive material.
5. This procedure allows for the delivery of a high dose of radiation localized to the tumor site, minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77771 is performed for patients who require remote afterloading high dose rate brachytherapy. This procedure is used when the provider places a catheter within the tumor site or body cavity and uses two to twelve channels to deliver the radioactive material. It is important to note that the provider must calculate the dose based on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.

5. When to use CPT code 77771

CPT code 77771 should be used when the healthcare provider performs remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial or intracavitary brachytherapy using two to twelve channels. This code should not be used for procedures involving a single channel or more than twelve channels.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77771, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Type and stage of the cancer being treated
• Number of channels used for the procedure
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Details of the calculation of the dose of the radioactive substance
• Any additional relevant information related to the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77771, ensure that the procedure involves the use of two to twelve channels for the placement of the catheter. Do not report CPT code 77771 if the procedure involves a single channel or more than twelve channels. It is important to note that the code includes basic dosimetry, so do not report additional codes for dosimetry calculations. If the procedure involves the treatment of tumors over the skin surface, different codes should be used.

8. Historical information

CPT 77771 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2016. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial brachytherapy using six channels to treat a patient with prostate cancer.
2. A provider uses four channels for remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide intracavitary brachytherapy to treat a patient with cervical cancer.
3. A healthcare provider performs remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial brachytherapy using eight channels to treat a patient with breast cancer.
4. A provider uses three channels for remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide intracavitary brachytherapy to treat a patient with endometrial cancer.
5. A healthcare provider performs remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial brachytherapy using five channels to treat a patient with lung cancer.
6. A provider uses two channels for remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide intracavitary brachytherapy to treat a patient with bladder cancer.
7. A healthcare provider performs remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial brachytherapy using seven channels to treat a patient with head and neck cancer.
8. A provider uses six channels for remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide intracavitary brachytherapy to treat a patient with rectal cancer.
9. A healthcare provider performs remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial brachytherapy using four channels to treat a patient with liver cancer.
10. A provider uses three channels for remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide intracavitary brachytherapy to treat a patient with esophageal cancer.