How To Use CPT Code 77772

CPT 77772 describes the procedure of remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial or intracavitary brachytherapy, which involves the use of a catheter loaded with a high energy radioactive substance to treat tumors using more than 12 channels. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 77772?

CPT 77772 can be used to describe the procedure of remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial or intracavitary brachytherapy. This procedure involves the placement of a catheter, loaded with a high energy radioactive substance, within the cancerous tissue or body cavity. The catheter is used to deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumor site, while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. CPT 77772 specifically applies when the procedure is performed using more than 12 channels.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77772 is: ‘Remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial or intracavitary brachytherapy, includes basic dosimetry, when performed; over 12 channels.’

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the healthcare provider places a catheter, loaded with a high energy radioactive substance, within the cancerous tissue (interstitial) or within the body cavity (intracavitary).
2. The catheter is placed at the treatment site or tumor, and the provider may calculate the dose based on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
3. A remote afterloader is used to automatically load the catheter with the high energy radioactive material.
4. This allows for the delivery of a high dose of radiation localized to the tumor site, while minimizing exposure to surrounding normal tissue.
5. The procedure involves the use of more than 12 channels to deliver the radioactive material.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77772 is performed on patients who require remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial or intracavitary brachytherapy. This procedure is typically used for the treatment of tumors or cancerous tissues. The provider must use more than 12 channels to deliver the radioactive material. It is important to note that CPT 77772 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT codes 77300, 0394T, or 0395T. For non-brachytherapy superficial radiation treatment delivery, CPT code 77401 should be used.

5. When to use CPT code 77772

CPT code 77772 should be used when the healthcare provider performs remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial or intracavitary brachytherapy using more than 12 channels. This code specifically applies to the procedure described and should not be used for other types of brachytherapy or radiation treatments.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77772, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Type and stage of the cancer being treated
• Details of the catheter placement and the use of more than 12 channels
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Specific dosimetry calculations performed, if applicable
• Any additional relevant information or findings
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77772, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial or intracavitary brachytherapy using more than 12 channels. It is important to note that CPT 77772 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT codes 77300, 0394T, or 0395T. For non-brachytherapy superficial radiation treatment delivery, CPT code 77401 should be used.

8. Historical information

CPT 77772 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 radiation oncologist performs remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial brachytherapy using more than 12 channels to treat a patient with prostate cancer.
2. A gynecologic oncologist uses remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide intracavitary brachytherapy with more than 12 channels to treat a patient with cervical cancer.
3. A radiation therapist performs remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial brachytherapy using more than 12 channels to treat a patient with breast cancer.
4. An interventional radiologist utilizes remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide intracavitary brachytherapy with more than 12 channels to treat a patient with lung cancer.
5. A medical physicist assists in the remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial brachytherapy procedure using more than 12 channels to treat a patient with head and neck cancer.
6. A radiation oncology nurse monitors the remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide intracavitary brachytherapy procedure using more than 12 channels to treat a patient with rectal cancer.