How To Use CPT Code 77778

CPT 77778 describes the procedure of interstitial radiation source application, which involves the placement of more than 10 radioactive sources directly at the site of a tumor through catheters or needles. 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 77778?

CPT 77778 can be used to describe the procedure of interstitial radiation source application, which involves the placement of more than 10 radioactive sources directly at the site of a tumor through catheters or needles. The goal of this procedure is to treat the tumor by applying implants directly into it. The procedure includes supervision, handling, and loading of the radiation source, when performed.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77778 is: ‘Interstitial radiation source application, complex, includes supervision, handling, loading of radiation source, when performed.’

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the provider places more than 10 radioactive sources directly at the site of a tumor through catheters or needles.
2. The provider may use image guidance during the procedure to ensure correct placement of the implant via the needle or catheter.
3. She leaves more than 10 implants for a few days or sometimes for a longer period.
4. The provider takes further images to ensure correct placement of the implants.
5. The provider also performs supervision of and handling and loading of the radiation source, when performed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who may qualify for CPT 77778 are those who require interstitial radiation source application for the treatment of a tumor. The procedure involves the placement of more than 10 radioactive sources directly at the site of the tumor through catheters or needles. The provider must also perform supervision, handling, and loading of the radiation source, when performed.

5. When to use CPT code 77778

CPT code 77778 should be used when the provider performs the interstitial radiation source application procedure, which includes the placement of more than 10 radioactive sources directly at the site of a tumor through catheters or needles. The procedure also includes supervision, handling, and loading of the radiation source, when performed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77778, the provider must document the following information:

• Details of the tumor and the need for interstitial radiation source application
• Specific details of the procedure, including the placement of more than 10 radioactive sources and the use of catheters or needles
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Images taken to ensure correct placement of the implants
• Details of the supervision, handling, and loading of the radiation source, when performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77778, ensure that the provider performs the interstitial radiation source application procedure, which includes the placement of more than 10 radioactive sources directly at the site of a tumor through catheters or needles. The procedure should also include supervision, handling, and loading of the radiation source, when performed. Do not report CPT 77778 in conjunction with Category III codes 0394T and 0395T, or in conjunction with CPT code 77790.

8. Historical information

CPT 77778 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It underwent code changes on January 1, 2001, and January 1, 2016.

9. Examples

1. A radiation oncologist performing interstitial radiation source application for the treatment of a breast tumor.
2. An interventional radiologist placing more than 10 radioactive sources directly at the site of a liver tumor through catheters.
3. A urologist performing interstitial radiation source application for the treatment of a prostate tumor.
4. A gynecologic oncologist inserting more than 10 radioactive sources directly at the site of a cervical tumor through needles.
5. A neurosurgeon performing interstitial radiation source application for the treatment of a brain tumor.
6. An orthopedic surgeon placing more than 10 radioactive sources directly at the site of a bone tumor through catheters.
7. A head and neck surgeon performing interstitial radiation source application for the treatment of a throat tumor.
8. A gastroenterologist inserting more than 10 radioactive sources directly at the site of a pancreatic tumor through needles.
9. A dermatologist performing interstitial radiation source application for the treatment of a skin tumor.
10. A thoracic surgeon placing more than 10 radioactive sources directly at the site of a lung tumor through catheters.