Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Treatment devices are used to help ensure that the radiation is delivered accurately and precisely to the target area. There are two types of treatment devices: immobilization devices and bolus.
Immobilization devices help to keep the patient in a fixed position during treatment. This is important to ensure that the radiation is delivered to the same spot each time. Immobilization devices can be simple, such as sandbags or pillows, or they can be more complex, such as thermoplastic masks or vacuum cushions.
Bolus is a material that is placed on the skin over the target area to help absorb the radiation. This can help to increase the dose of radiation to the target area and reduce the dose to surrounding tissues. Bolus can be made of a variety of materials, such as wax, plastic, or metal.
The codes used to bill for treatment devices in radiation oncology are:
CPT code 77332 is used for simple treatment devices. This includes simple port blocks, simple prefabricated bolus, or independent jaw motion or asymmetrical collimation.
CPT code 77333 is used for intermediate treatment devices. This includes custom port blocks, custom bolus, or wedges.
CPT code 77334 is used for complex treatment devices. This includes custom-made immobilization devices, eye shields, or molds or casts.
When coding for treatment devices, it is important to specify the type of device, the material it is made of, and the complexity of the device. This information will help ensure that the claim is processed correctly and that the patient is reimbursed appropriately.
Here are some tips for coding for treatment devices in radiation oncology:
Review the medical record carefully to determine the type of treatment device used.
Be specific in your coding. For example, if a custom port block is used, specify the size and shape of the block.
Use the most current CPT codes. The codes for treatment devices are updated periodically, so it is important to use the most current codes.
Consult with a coding specialist if you have any questions about coding for treatment devices.
Coding for treatment devices in radiation oncology can be complex, but it is important to get it right. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your claims are processed correctly and that your patients are reimbursed appropriately.
I hope this blog post was helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
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