© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
High dose rate (HDR) electronic brachytherapy is an advanced treatment modality that utilizes an X-ray tube to deliver electronically generated photons as the radiation source, thereby eliminating the need for traditional radioactive isotopes. This innovative approach offers a refined and non-invasive method for treating non-melanoma skin cancer, particularly in areas where cosmetic outcomes are a significant concern. The procedure involves applying a precise, high dose rate of X-ray radiation directly to the cancerous lesion, which allows for effective treatment without the necessity for surgical intervention, extensive recovery time, or the complexities associated with handling radioactive materials. The technology is designed to target the cancerous tissue specifically, minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue and significantly reducing the risk of scarring. The treatment can be conveniently administered in an office or clinical setting, such as by a dermatologist or radiation oncologist, and typically requires only a few brief visits. During these visits, the physician assesses the individual characteristics of the lesion, including its type, size, and location, to determine the appropriate treatment plan and prescribed dose of radiation. The portable X-ray generator is calibrated to deliver the specified dose, and a handheld X-ray tube applicator is positioned directly over the lesion for the designated duration, with minimal shielding applied as necessary. Each treatment session is divided into fractions, with each fraction reported separately, allowing for a tailored approach to patient care.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The high dose rate electronic brachytherapy procedure is indicated for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer, particularly in cases where the lesions are located in cosmetically sensitive areas. This method is suitable for patients who require a non-invasive treatment option that minimizes recovery time and avoids the complications associated with traditional surgical approaches.
The procedure for high dose rate electronic brachytherapy involves several key steps that ensure effective treatment of the cancerous lesion.
After the high dose rate electronic brachytherapy procedure, patients may experience minimal side effects due to the targeted nature of the treatment. Post-procedure care typically involves monitoring the treated area for any signs of adverse reactions, such as redness or irritation. Patients are advised to follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by their physician, which may include recommendations for skin care and activity restrictions. The physician will schedule follow-up appointments to assess the treatment's effectiveness and determine if additional fractions are necessary.
| Short Descr | HDR ELCTRNC SKN SURF BRCHYTX | Medium Descr | HDR ELECTRONIC BRACHYTHERAPY SKIN SURFACE | Long Descr | High dose rate electronic brachytherapy, skin surface application, per fraction, includes basic dosimetry, when performed | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple | ASC Payment Indicator | Radiology service paid separately when provided integral to a surgical procedure on ASC list; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P7A - Oncology - radiation therapy | MUE | 2 |
| 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | Q6 | Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider |
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| 2016-01-01 | Added | First appearance in codebook. |
| 2015-07-01 | Added | Added |
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