How To Use CPT Code 77799

CPT 77799 describes a clinical brachytherapy procedure that does not have a specific code. 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 77799?

CPT 77799 can be used to report a clinical brachytherapy procedure that does not have a specific code available. This code is used when the provider performs a brachytherapy procedure by placing a radioactive source on or near the tumor to treat it while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77799 is: ‘Use to report a clinical brachytherapy procedure that does not have a specific code.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs a clinical brachytherapy procedure that is not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes available.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77799 is used when there is no specific code available to accurately describe the clinical brachytherapy procedure performed by the provider. This code should only be used when there is no other appropriate code that closely represents the service provided.

5. When to use CPT code 77799

CPT code 77799 should be used when there is no specific code available to accurately describe the clinical brachytherapy procedure performed by the provider. It is important to note that this code should not be chosen if there is a code that closely approximates the service provided.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 77799, it is important to provide a cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code instead of a defined, active code. Include one or more similar codes and compare the service provided to those codes to justify the claim amount being billed. Additionally, include the operative notes or other relevant documentation to strengthen the claim and avoid a possible denial.

7. Billing guidelines

When reporting CPT code 77799, it is important to submit a cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code instead of a defined, active code. Include one or more similar codes and compare the service provided to those codes to justify the claim amount being billed. The payer will consider claims with unlisted procedure codes on a case-by-case basis and determine payment based on the documentation provided.

8. Historical information

CPT code 77799 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 a clinical brachytherapy procedure to treat a tumor in the prostate gland.
2. A patient undergoes a clinical brachytherapy procedure to treat a tumor in the breast.
3. A provider performs a clinical brachytherapy procedure to treat a tumor in the cervix.
4. A patient receives a clinical brachytherapy procedure to treat a tumor in the lung.
5. A provider performs a clinical brachytherapy procedure to treat a tumor in the head and neck region.
6. A patient undergoes a clinical brachytherapy procedure to treat a tumor in the gastrointestinal tract.
7. A provider performs a clinical brachytherapy procedure to treat a tumor in the liver.
8. A patient receives a clinical brachytherapy procedure to treat a tumor in the bone.
9. A provider performs a clinical brachytherapy procedure to treat a tumor in the skin.
10. A patient undergoes a clinical brachytherapy procedure to treat a tumor in the central nervous system.