How To Use CPT Code 79440

CPT 79440 describes the procedure of radiopharmaceutical therapy, specifically by intra-articular 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 79440?

CPT 79440 can be used to describe a therapeutic procedure known as radiopharmaceutical therapy. This procedure involves the administration of a radioactive substance directly into a joint to alleviate synovial inflammation. It is commonly used to treat chronic hemophilic synovitis, a condition characterized by recurrent bleeding in a joint that is unresponsive to other treatments. The goal of this procedure is to reduce synovial hypertrophy and decrease the frequency of joint bleeding.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 79440 is: ‘Radiopharmaceutical therapy, by intra-articular administration.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, a qualified healthcare provider administers an intra-articular injection of a radioactive substance into the affected joint.
2. The radioactive substance, typically yttrium-90 or phosphorus-32, targets and destroys the inflamed synovial membrane tissue.
3. This destruction of the synovial membrane helps reduce synovial hypertrophy and minimize the occurrence of joint bleeding.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 79440 is performed in cases where patients have chronic hemophilic synovitis, a condition characterized by repeated joint bleeding. This procedure is typically considered when other treatment options have been ineffective. It is important to note that only qualified healthcare providers should perform this procedure, as it involves the administration of a radioactive substance.

5. When to use CPT code 79440

CPT code 79440 should be used when a healthcare provider administers radiopharmaceutical therapy by intra-articular administration. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed for the treatment of chronic hemophilic synovitis and that other treatment options have been exhausted.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 79440, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of chronic hemophilic synovitis
• Details of the radiopharmaceutical used for the procedure
• Date and time of the procedure
• Specific joint targeted for the intra-articular administration
• Any additional relevant information or findings during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 79440, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider and that it involves the intra-articular administration of a radiopharmaceutical. It is important to follow payer policies regarding the reporting of radiopharmaceutical substances separately, if applicable. Additionally, modifiers may be required when reporting the professional or technical component of the radiology service associated with this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 79440 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 patient with chronic hemophilic synovitis undergoes radiopharmaceutical therapy by intra-articular administration to alleviate joint inflammation and reduce the frequency of bleeding.
2. A healthcare provider administers radiopharmaceutical therapy by intra-articular administration to a patient with chronic hemophilic synovitis in their knee joint.
3. Radiopharmaceutical therapy by intra-articular administration is performed on a patient with chronic hemophilic synovitis in their ankle joint to manage joint bleeding and reduce synovial hypertrophy.
4. A qualified healthcare provider administers radiopharmaceutical therapy by intra-articular administration to a patient with chronic hemophilic synovitis in their elbow joint to alleviate inflammation and improve joint function.
5. A patient with chronic hemophilic synovitis in their shoulder joint undergoes radiopharmaceutical therapy by intra-articular administration to reduce joint bleeding and minimize synovial hypertrophy.
6. Radiopharmaceutical therapy by intra-articular administration is performed on a patient with chronic hemophilic synovitis in their hip joint to alleviate inflammation and decrease the frequency of joint bleeding.
7. A healthcare provider administers radiopharmaceutical therapy by intra-articular administration to a patient with chronic hemophilic synovitis in their wrist joint to manage joint bleeding and improve overall joint health.
8. A qualified healthcare provider performs radiopharmaceutical therapy by intra-articular administration on a patient with chronic hemophilic synovitis in their finger joint to reduce inflammation and prevent recurrent joint bleeding.
9. Radiopharmaceutical therapy by intra-articular administration is administered to a patient with chronic hemophilic synovitis in their toe joint to alleviate joint inflammation and minimize the occurrence of joint bleeding.
10. A healthcare provider administers radiopharmaceutical therapy by intra-articular administration to a patient with chronic hemophilic synovitis in their temporomandibular joint to manage joint bleeding and improve overall joint function.