How To Use CPT Code 79300

CPT 79300 describes the procedure of radiopharmaceutical therapy, specifically by interstitial radioactive colloid administration. 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 79300?

CPT 79300 can be used to describe a therapeutic nuclear medicine procedure known as radiopharmaceutical therapy. This procedure involves the administration of a colloidal radioactive substance directly over the tumor area using wires, small tubes, or seeds. The goal of this therapy is to treat certain conditions, such as cancer, by minimizing side effects and damage to non-involved organs or nearby structures.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 79300 is: ‘Radiopharmaceutical therapy, by interstitial radioactive colloid administration.’

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the provider implants a colloidal radioactive substance contained in wires, small tubes, or seeds directly over the tumor area.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Radiopharmaceutical therapy is used to treat certain conditions, such as cancer, using radioactive materials. The qualifying circumstances for CPT 79300 include the need for interstitial radioactive colloid administration therapy and the presence of a tumor or affected area that can be targeted with this treatment. The provider must ensure that the therapy is appropriate for the patient’s condition and that the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

5. When to use CPT code 79300

CPT code 79300 should be used when a provider performs radiopharmaceutical therapy using interstitial radioactive colloid administration. This code is appropriate for cases where the therapy is specifically targeted at a tumor or affected area. It should not be used for other types of nuclear medicine therapy or procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 79300, the provider must document the following information:

• Diagnosis or condition requiring radiopharmaceutical therapy
• Details of the therapy, including the use of interstitial radioactive colloid administration
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Specifics of the radioactive substance used
• Location and target area of the therapy
• Any additional relevant information or findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 79300, ensure that the procedure involves interstitial radioactive colloid administration. It is important to follow payer guidelines and policies regarding the reporting of radiopharmaceutical substances separately, as well as the use of professional and technical modifiers. If the provider performs both the professional and technical components of the service, a global service code may be appropriate.

8. Historical information

CPT 79300 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider implants a radioactive colloid substance using wires directly over a tumor area to treat a patient with breast cancer.
2. An interventional radiologist administers a radioactive colloid through small tubes to target a liver tumor in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma.
3. A radiation oncologist places radioactive seeds over a prostate tumor using interstitial radioactive colloid administration to treat a patient with localized prostate cancer.
4. A nuclear medicine specialist performs radiopharmaceutical therapy by interstitial radioactive colloid administration to target a brain tumor in a patient with glioblastoma.
5. A provider uses interstitial radioactive colloid administration to deliver radiopharmaceutical therapy to a patient with head and neck cancer, specifically targeting the affected lymph nodes.
6. An oncologist performs radiopharmaceutical therapy by interstitial radioactive colloid administration to treat a patient with skin cancer, focusing on the tumor site.
7. A provider administers radioactive colloid through small tubes directly over a lung tumor to deliver targeted therapy to a patient with lung cancer.
8. An interventional radiologist uses interstitial radioactive colloid administration to treat a patient with cervical cancer, targeting the affected area.
9. A radiation oncologist performs radiopharmaceutical therapy by interstitial radioactive colloid administration to treat a patient with bone cancer, specifically targeting the tumor site.
10. A nuclear medicine specialist administers radioactive seeds using wires directly over a thyroid tumor to deliver targeted therapy to a patient with thyroid cancer.