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CPT®
77315

CPT® Code 77315
Deleted

Code deleted, see 77307

Official Description

Teletherapy, isodose plan (whether hand or computer calculated); complex (mantle or inverted Y, tangential ports, the use of wedges, compensators, complex blocking, rotational beam, or special beam considerations)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 77315 refers to the process of creating a teletherapy isodose plan, which is a critical step in the administration of radiation therapy for cancer patients. This planning involves the meticulous calculation and distribution of radiation doses to ensure that the maximum therapeutic effect is achieved while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. The term "isodose" refers to lines or areas that represent equal doses of radiation, which are essential for determining how the radiation beams will be delivered to the patient. The complexity of this procedure is highlighted by the use of advanced techniques such as complex blocking, which involves the creation of custom shielding blocks to protect sensitive areas, and the application of tangential ports that allow for precise targeting of the tumor. Additionally, the use of wedges and compensators helps to modify the intensity of the radiation beams, ensuring an even distribution across multiple treatment areas. This procedure may also involve the consideration of rotational beams and other special beam configurations, making it a sophisticated and highly technical aspect of cancer treatment planning.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The isodose planning procedure described by CPT® Code 77315 is indicated for patients undergoing radiation therapy for various types of cancer. The following conditions and scenarios may warrant the use of this complex planning technique:

  • Cancer Treatment: Patients diagnosed with malignancies requiring targeted radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells.
  • Multiple Treatment Areas: Cases where three or more separate treatment areas are involved, necessitating precise dose distribution.
  • Complex Tumor Locations: Tumors located in areas where surrounding healthy tissue must be protected, requiring advanced shielding techniques.
  • Special Beam Considerations: Situations that require the use of rotational beams or other specialized beam configurations to optimize treatment efficacy.

2. Procedure

The procedure for creating an isodose plan using CPT® Code 77315 involves several detailed steps to ensure accurate radiation delivery. Each step is crucial for the successful planning and execution of radiation therapy.

  • Step 1: Patient Assessment The process begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, cancer diagnosis, and previous treatments. This information is essential for tailoring the radiation plan to the individual needs of the patient.
  • Step 2: Imaging Studies Advanced imaging studies, such as CT scans or MRIs, are performed to visualize the tumor and surrounding anatomy. These images provide critical data for determining the precise location and size of the tumor.
  • Step 3: Isodose Distribution Calculation The physician or medical physicist calculates the isodose distribution using either hand calculations or computer software. This step involves determining how the radiation beams will intersect with the tumor while minimizing exposure to adjacent healthy tissues.
  • Step 4: Design of Custom Shields Based on the calculated isodose distribution, custom shielding blocks are designed to protect sensitive areas from radiation. This may include complex blocking techniques to ensure that only the tumor receives the intended dose.
  • Step 5: Incorporation of Treatment Techniques The plan incorporates various treatment techniques, such as the use of tangential ports, wedges, and compensators, to modify the radiation intensity and achieve an even dose distribution across the treatment areas.
  • Step 6: Review and Approval The final isodose plan is reviewed by the radiation oncologist and medical physicist to ensure accuracy and compliance with treatment goals. Adjustments may be made based on their feedback before the plan is approved for implementation.

3. Post-Procedure

After the isodose planning procedure is completed, the next steps involve preparing the patient for radiation therapy. The approved plan is implemented during the actual treatment sessions, where the patient will receive radiation according to the meticulously calculated isodose distribution. Continuous monitoring and assessment of the treatment's effectiveness are essential, and adjustments may be made as necessary based on the patient's response. Additionally, follow-up appointments are scheduled to evaluate the patient's progress and manage any side effects that may arise from the radiation therapy.
Short Descr TELETX ISODOSE PLAN COMPLEX
Medium Descr TELETHERAPY ISODOSE PLAN COMPLETE
Long Descr Teletherapy, isodose plan (whether hand or computer calculated); complex (mantle or inverted Y, tangential ports, the use of wedges, compensators, complex blocking, rotational beam, or special beam considerations)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
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 9 - 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 Ancillary Services
Type of Service (TOS) 6 - Therapeutic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P7A - Oncology - radiation therapy
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 211 - Therapeutic radiology
Date
Action
Notes
2015-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 77307
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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Description
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