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The CPT® Code 77331 refers to the process of special dosimetry, which is a specialized method used to measure and report the radiation dose at a specific point within a treatment port. This point is typically outside the standard calculational parameters established by the treatment planning system or the calibration of the treatment device. Special dosimetry is crucial in ensuring that the radiation delivered during treatment is accurately monitored, particularly in areas where conventional methods may not provide sufficient data. The procedure may utilize various advanced techniques, including thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD), solid-state diode probes, or other specialized dosimetry probes. The results obtained from this study are essential for the radiation oncologist or qualified medical professional to assess the effectiveness of the current treatment plan. The treating physician must provide a detailed request for special dosimetry, which includes a clear statement of the necessity for the study and an explanation of how the findings are anticipated to influence the ongoing treatment strategy.
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The procedure of special dosimetry (CPT® Code 77331) is indicated in specific scenarios where precise measurement of radiation dose is critical. The following conditions warrant the use of this procedure:
The procedure for special dosimetry involves several critical steps to ensure accurate measurement and reporting of radiation doses. Each step is essential for achieving reliable results that can influence treatment decisions.
Post-procedure care following special dosimetry primarily involves the review and interpretation of the results by the treating physician. The physician will assess the findings to determine if any modifications to the treatment plan are necessary. Additionally, the physician may discuss the results with the patient, explaining how the dosimetry data will influence ongoing treatment. There are no specific recovery protocols associated with this procedure, as it is primarily a diagnostic measure rather than an invasive intervention. However, continuous monitoring and follow-up may be required to ensure that the treatment remains effective based on the dosimetry findings.
| Short Descr | SPECIAL RADIATION DOSIMETRY | Medium Descr | SPEC DOSIM ONLY PRESCRIBED TREATING PHYS | Long Descr | Special dosimetry (eg, TLD, microdosimetry) (specify), only when prescribed by the treating physician | 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 | 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 | Radiology service paid separately when provided integral to a surgical procedure on ASC list; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs. | Type of Service (TOS) | 6 - Therapeutic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P7A - Oncology - radiation therapy | MUE | 3 | CCS Clinical Classification | 211 - Therapeutic radiology |
| 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 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. | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | 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. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | TC | Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles | 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 | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | PN | Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | PD | Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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