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Intradermal cancer immunotherapy represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, focusing on harnessing the body's immune system to combat cancerous cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which directly targets and kills cancer cells, immunotherapy aims to stimulate and enhance the immune response, enabling the body to identify and destroy cancer cells more effectively. This approach is particularly beneficial as it can lead to more targeted treatment strategies, reducing the collateral damage often associated with systemic therapies. The administration of immunotherapy can, however, lead to serious side effects in some patients, including cytokine release syndrome, vascular leak syndrome, and autoimmune reactions, which can be severe or even fatal. The method of delivery for immunotherapy is crucial; intradermal injections are preferred over subcutaneous injections due to the higher concentration of dendritic cells in the dermis. These cells play a vital role in capturing antigens and migrating to the lymph nodes, where they stimulate T-cells, thereby amplifying the immune response against tumors. The CPT® Code 0708T is specifically designated for the preparation and initial injection of this innovative immunotherapy treatment, while subsequent injections are reported using CPT® Code 0709T.
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The indications for intradermal cancer immunotherapy, as represented by CPT® Code 0708T, include the following:
The procedure for intradermal cancer immunotherapy involves several critical steps, which are detailed as follows:
After the administration of the intradermal cancer immunotherapy, patients are monitored for any immediate adverse reactions, which may include localized swelling, redness, or systemic effects. It is essential to provide patients with information regarding potential side effects, including serious reactions such as cytokine release syndrome or autoimmune responses. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to administer any additional injections as necessary, which are reported using CPT® Code 0709T. Patients should also be advised on signs and symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention, ensuring a comprehensive post-procedure care plan is in place.
| Short Descr | ID CA IMMNTX PREP & 1ST NJX | Medium Descr | INTRADERMAL CANCER IMMNTX PREP & 1ST INJECTION | Long Descr | Intradermal cancer immunotherapy; preparation and initial injection | 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) | 2 - Standard 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) | 1 - Statutory 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 | Non-Covered Service, not paid under OPPS | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 1 |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 0709T | Add-on Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC E1 Intradermal cancer immunotherapy; each additional injection (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
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| 2022-01-01 | Added | Code added |
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