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Code deleted, see 77402

Official Description

Radiation treatment delivery, single treatment area, single port or parallel opposed ports, simple blocks or no blocks; 11-19 MeV

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 77404 refers to the delivery of radiation treatment specifically designed for a single treatment area using either a single port or parallel opposed ports. This procedure employs simple blocks or may not utilize any blocks at all. The radiation beam utilized in this treatment ranges from 11 to 19 megavolts (MeV), which is a measure of the energy level of the radiation being delivered. The primary objective of this procedure is to direct high-energy radiation precisely at a tumor site to effectively destroy cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It is important to note that the strength of the radiation beam is critical in determining the appropriate coding; for instance, if the beam strength is 5 megavolts or less, a different code would be applicable. Similarly, codes are assigned based on the energy levels of the radiation, with specific codes designated for beams of 6-10 megavolts and those of 20 megavolts or higher. This structured approach to coding ensures accurate billing and documentation in the context of radiation therapy.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The indications for using CPT® Code 77404 include the treatment of various types of tumors where localized radiation therapy is deemed appropriate. This may encompass a range of malignancies that require targeted radiation to achieve effective tumor control or reduction. The procedure is typically indicated for patients who have been diagnosed with solid tumors that are accessible for treatment via radiation, and where the use of a single treatment area is sufficient to address the tumor burden. Additionally, this code may be utilized in cases where the tumor's location and characteristics allow for effective treatment with the specified energy levels of 11-19 MeV.

  • Localized Tumors Treatment of solid tumors that are accessible for radiation therapy.
  • Targeted Radiation Therapy Indicated for patients requiring focused radiation to control or reduce tumor size.
  • Single Treatment Area Appropriate for cases where a single port or parallel opposed ports can effectively deliver the necessary radiation.

2. Procedure

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 77404 involves several key steps to ensure the effective delivery of radiation therapy. First, the patient is positioned accurately to target the tumor site precisely. This positioning is crucial as it allows the radiation beam to be directed accurately at the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Next, the radiation oncologist selects the appropriate energy level for the radiation beam, ensuring it falls within the range of 11 to 19 MeV. The use of simple blocks or no blocks is determined based on the treatment plan, which is designed to optimize the radiation dose delivered to the tumor. Once the setup is complete, the radiation machine is activated, and the radiation is delivered to the designated treatment area. The duration of the treatment session may vary, but it is typically completed in a single visit, focusing on the specific tumor site as planned.

  • Step 1: Patient Positioning The patient is positioned accurately to ensure the radiation beam targets the tumor site precisely, minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
  • Step 2: Energy Level Selection The radiation oncologist selects the appropriate energy level for the radiation beam, ensuring it is within the range of 11 to 19 MeV.
  • Step 3: Treatment Setup The use of simple blocks or no blocks is determined based on the treatment plan to optimize the radiation dose delivered to the tumor.
  • Step 4: Radiation Delivery The radiation machine is activated, and the radiation is delivered to the designated treatment area, typically completed in a single visit.

3. Post-Procedure

After the delivery of radiation treatment using CPT® Code 77404, patients may experience some side effects, which can vary based on the area treated and the individual patient's response. Common post-procedure care includes monitoring for any immediate reactions to the radiation, such as skin irritation or fatigue. Patients are often advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to manage any side effects that may arise. Additionally, ongoing assessments may be necessary to determine the need for further treatment or adjustments in the radiation therapy plan. It is essential for patients to adhere to any prescribed follow-up appointments and to report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare team promptly.

Short Descr RADIATION TREATMENT DELIVERY
Medium Descr RADJ DLVR 1 AREA 1/PRLL OPSD PORTS SMPL 11-19MEV
Long Descr Radiation treatment delivery, single treatment area, single port or parallel opposed ports, simple blocks or no blocks; 11-19 MeV
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 3 - Technical 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 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 Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple
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 77402
1991-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1991.
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