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The CPT® Code 20555 refers to the procedure involving the placement of needles or catheters into muscle and/or soft tissue, specifically for the purpose of subsequent interstitial radioelement application. This procedure is essential in the context of brachytherapy, where radioactive materials are delivered directly to the site of a tumor or lesion. The placement of these needles or catheters can occur either concurrently with another surgical procedure, such as the removal of a mass or tumor, or as a standalone intervention. It is important to note that this code exclusively covers the act of placing the needles or catheters; the actual application of the interstitial radioelements is reported separately under a different code. During this procedure, careful attention is given to marking the tumor margins within the muscle and/or soft tissue, as well as identifying the specific sites for needle or catheter insertion. The process typically begins with the introduction of a needle through a designated entrance site, followed by the placement of a catheter through the needle. This method ensures precise positioning of the catheter, which is then secured in place before the needle is withdrawn through a predetermined exit site. This sequence is repeated until all necessary catheters are successfully positioned. Additionally, drains with multiple drainage holes may be utilized, placed perpendicular to the catheters, allowing for effective drainage while each catheter is threaded through a designated hole. Finally, the stiff leader portion of the catheter is removed, and a dressing is applied to complete the procedure.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 20555 is indicated for the placement of needles or catheters into muscle and/or soft tissue for subsequent interstitial radioelement application. This procedure is typically performed in the following scenarios:
The procedure for CPT® Code 20555 involves several critical steps to ensure the accurate placement of needles or catheters:
Post-procedure care following the placement of needles or catheters under CPT® Code 20555 typically involves monitoring the insertion sites for any signs of infection or complications. Patients may be advised on how to care for the dressing and to report any unusual symptoms, such as increased pain or swelling. Additionally, follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the interstitial radioelement application and to ensure proper healing of the tissue involved.
| Short Descr | PLACE NDL MUSC/TIS FOR RT | Medium Descr | PLACEMENT NEEDLES MUSCLE SUBSEQUENT RADIOELEMENT | Long Descr | Placement of needles or catheters into muscle and/or soft tissue for subsequent interstitial radioelement application (at the time of or subsequent to the procedure) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | 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) | 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 | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later without MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P7B - Oncology - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 164 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on musculoskeletal system |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 77002 | CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement (eg, biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 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. | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | F2 | Left hand, third digit | F5 | Right hand, thumb | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | 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) | X5 | Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician |
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| 2008-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2008. |
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