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Official Description

Placement of interstitial device(s) for radiation therapy guidance (eg, fiducial markers, dosimeter), percutaneous, intra-abdominal, intra-pelvic (except prostate), and/or retroperitoneum, single or multiple

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 49411 refers to the procedure involving the placement of interstitial devices for radiation therapy guidance, specifically within the intra-abdominal, intra-pelvic (excluding the prostate), and/or retroperitoneal areas. These interstitial devices include fiducial markers and dosimeters, which play a crucial role in the precise targeting of tumors during radiation therapy. Fiducial markers, often made of gold, are small seeds implanted in or around a malignant tumor to help radiation oncologists accurately direct radiation beams at the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. This precision is vital in reducing potential damage to adjacent organs and structures. Additionally, implantable dosimeters are utilized to measure the radiation dose delivered at the tumor site, ensuring that the treatment is both effective and safe. The procedure involves careful planning and imaging guidance to identify the optimal placement sites for these devices, which are then inserted using a percutaneous approach under local anesthesia. The correct positioning of the markers is verified through radiographic imaging, ensuring that they are accurately placed to facilitate effective radiation therapy.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The placement of interstitial devices, as described by CPT® Code 49411, is indicated for various clinical scenarios where precise localization of tumors is necessary for effective radiation therapy. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Malignant Tumors The presence of malignant tumors in the intra-abdominal, intra-pelvic (excluding prostate), or retroperitoneal regions necessitates accurate targeting for radiation treatment.
  • Radiation Therapy Planning Prior to initiating radiation therapy, the placement of fiducial markers or dosimeters is essential for ensuring that the radiation is directed accurately at the tumor site.
  • Need for Dosimetry Situations where measuring the radiation dose at the tumor site is critical for treatment efficacy and safety.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the placement of interstitial devices involves several key steps to ensure accurate and safe insertion. Each step is detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Identification and Measurement The first step involves identifying and measuring the planned placement sites for the interstitial devices within the abdomen, pelvis, or retroperitoneum. This is accomplished using imaging guidance, which may include ultrasound or CT scans, to ensure precise localization of the tumor or mass.
  • Step 2: Administration of Local Anesthetic Once the sites are identified, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the tissue along the planned insertion points. This step is crucial for minimizing discomfort during the procedure.
  • Step 3: Insertion of Markers or Dosimeters Using radiologic guidance, one or more fiducial markers or dosimeters are then passed through an introducer needle into the tumor and/or the surrounding tissue. The use of imaging ensures that the devices are accurately placed in relation to the tumor.
  • Step 4: Verification of Placement After insertion, the positions of the markers or dosimeters are checked radiographically to confirm that they are properly placed. This verification step is essential to ensure that the devices will function effectively during radiation therapy.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the placement of interstitial devices, patients may be monitored for any immediate complications or discomfort. It is important to assess the insertion sites for signs of infection or adverse reactions. Patients are typically advised on post-procedure care, which may include instructions on activity restrictions and signs to watch for that may indicate complications. The expected recovery time can vary, but most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure, depending on individual circumstances and the extent of the intervention.

Short Descr INS MARK ABD/PEL FOR RT PERQ
Medium Descr INTERSTITIAL DEV PLMT RADIATION THERAPY 1/MLT
Long Descr Placement of interstitial device(s) for radiation therapy guidance (eg, fiducial markers, dosimeter), percutaneous, intra-abdominal, intra-pelvic (except prostate), and/or retroperitoneum, single or multiple
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 Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple
ASC Payment Indicator Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P7B - Oncology - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 98 - Other non-OR gastrointestinal therapeutic procedures

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)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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).
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
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient 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).
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).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
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.)
AG Primary physician
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
MG The order for this service does not have applicable appropriate use criteria in the qualified clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2011-01-01 Changed Medium description changed.
2010-01-01 Added -
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