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Official Description

Thoracic target(s) delineation for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT), (photon or particle beam), entire course of treatment

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) are advanced forms of radiation therapy that utilize precise imaging technology to deliver focused radiation to tumor cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The process begins with the delineation of the target area, which is crucial for accurately identifying the tumor's location and size. This delineation is essential for effective treatment planning and delivery, ensuring that the radiation is directed precisely at the tumor. The CPT® Code 32701 specifically refers to the delineation of thoracic targets for SRS/SBRT, indicating that the procedure is focused on tumors located in the thoracic region of the body. This code encompasses the entire course of treatment, highlighting the importance of thorough pre-treatment planning to define the primary tumor targets accurately. SRS/SBRT is generally administered over multiple sessions, known as fractionation, rather than in a single treatment session. This approach allows for better management of the tumor and can accommodate any necessary adjustments in target delineation if there are significant changes in the tumor's position or size during the treatment course.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for the treatment of various thoracic tumors, including but not limited to:

  • Primary lung tumors - These are tumors that originate in the lung tissue and may require targeted radiation therapy for effective treatment.
  • Metastatic lung lesions - These refer to cancer that has spread to the lungs from other parts of the body, necessitating precise radiation targeting to manage the disease.
  • Thoracic malignancies - This includes a range of cancers located in the thoracic cavity, which may benefit from focused radiation therapy to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment delivery:

  • Step 1: Imaging and Target Identification - The first step in the procedure is the use of advanced imaging techniques, such as CT scans or MRI, to accurately locate the tumor within the thoracic region. This imaging is essential for mapping the precise dimensions and position of the tumor, which informs the subsequent steps in the treatment process.
  • Step 2: Target Delineation - Following imaging, the next step is the delineation of the target area. This involves defining the exact boundaries of the tumor and any surrounding tissues that may be affected. The goal is to create a clear and accurate representation of the tumor's location to ensure that the radiation is delivered precisely where it is needed.
  • Step 3: Treatment Planning - Once the target has been delineated, a detailed treatment plan is developed. This plan outlines the specific radiation doses, angles, and techniques that will be used to deliver the therapy. The planning process takes into account the tumor's characteristics and the need to protect adjacent healthy tissues.
  • Step 4: Treatment Delivery - The final step is the actual delivery of the radiation therapy. This is typically done in multiple sessions, allowing for fractionated treatment that can be adjusted based on the tumor's response. During each session, the radiation is precisely targeted to the delineated area, ensuring maximum effectiveness while minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the SRS/SBRT procedure, patients may require monitoring for any side effects or complications that could arise from the treatment. Follow-up imaging may be necessary to assess the tumor's response to therapy and to determine if any re-delineation of the target area is needed due to changes in tumor size or position. Patients are typically advised on post-treatment care, which may include managing any discomfort or side effects and scheduling regular follow-up appointments to monitor their progress. It is essential to maintain communication with the healthcare team to address any concerns that may arise during the recovery period.

Short Descr THORAX STEREO RAD TARGETW/TX
Medium Descr THORAX STEREOTACTIC RADIATION TARGET W/TX COURSE
Long Descr Thoracic target(s) delineation for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT), (photon or particle beam), entire course of treatment
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 2 - Professional Component Only 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) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Code Not Recognized by OPPS when submitted on Outpatient Hospital Part B Bill Type (12x/13x)
Type of Service (TOS) 6 - Therapeutic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 41 - Other non-OR therapeutic procedures on respiratory system
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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2013-01-01 Added Added
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