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The CPT® Code 77761 refers to a specific type of brachytherapy procedure known as intracavitary radiation source application, classified as simple. This procedure involves the placement of radiation source material directly into a natural body cavity of the patient. The primary goal of this intervention is to deliver targeted radiation therapy to treat various medical conditions, particularly cancers, by utilizing a localized approach that minimizes exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. During the procedure, the healthcare provider inserts applicator(s) into the designated body cavity and confirms the correct positioning of these applicators through imaging techniques such as X-ray, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, or MRI. Once the applicators are properly positioned, the radiation source is introduced into the applicator. This can be done either manually for low dose radiation (LDR), where the radiation source is placed directly into the applicator, or through an afterloader for high dose radiation (HDR), where the radiation source is delivered via a series of guide tubes connected to the applicator. After the radiation source has been applied, it remains in place for a specified duration, after which it is either manually removed or retracted back through the guide tubes into the afterloader. The code 77761 specifically accounts for the application of a simple number of radiation sources, defined as one to four sources, distinguishing it from other codes that represent intermediate and complex applications of radiation sources.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 77761 is indicated for various medical conditions that require localized radiation therapy. The following are the explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 77761 involves several critical steps to ensure the safe and effective application of radiation sources. The following procedural steps are outlined:
Following the intracavitary radiation source application, patients may require specific post-procedure care to monitor for any immediate complications or side effects. It is essential to provide instructions regarding activity restrictions, potential symptoms to watch for, and follow-up appointments for further evaluation. Patients may experience localized discomfort or other side effects related to the radiation therapy, which should be managed appropriately. Additionally, healthcare providers should ensure that patients understand the importance of adhering to follow-up care to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to monitor for any late effects of radiation exposure.
| Short Descr | APPLY INTRCAV RADIAT SIMPLE | Medium Descr | INTRACAVITARY RADIATION SOURCE APPLIC SIMPLE | Long Descr | Intracavitary radiation source application; simple | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | 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 | 1 | 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. | 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. |
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| 2001-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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