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Remote afterloading high dose rate (HDR) radionuclide skin surface brachytherapy is a specialized treatment method used primarily for non-melanoma skin cancers. This procedure utilizes a high dose rate of radioactive material delivered directly to the skin surface, allowing for targeted treatment of cancerous lesions while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The term "remote afterloading" refers to the technique where the radioactive source is loaded into the applicators after they have been placed on or near the tumor, ensuring that the medical staff can maintain a safe distance during the radiation exposure. The procedure is particularly beneficial for lesions that are larger than 2.0 cm in diameter or when multiple lesions are present, as it allows for effective treatment without the need for surgical intervention. The process begins with careful planning, including the selection of appropriate surface applicators based on the depth and size of the lesions, followed by meticulous placement and adjustment of these applicators to ensure optimal delivery of radiation. The use of a remote afterloading machine further enhances safety and precision, as it automates the loading of the radioactive source into the applicators while the patient is monitored closely. This method not only shortens the duration of radiation treatment but also improves patient comfort and outcomes.
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The procedure of remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide skin surface brachytherapy is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide skin surface brachytherapy involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment:
After the completion of remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide skin surface brachytherapy, patients may require specific post-procedure care. It is essential to monitor the treatment site for any signs of adverse reactions or complications. Patients are typically advised to avoid exposing the treated area to direct sunlight and to follow any specific wound care instructions provided by their healthcare provider. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to monitor for any recurrence of skin lesions. Additionally, patients should be informed about potential side effects, such as skin irritation or changes in pigmentation, and when to seek medical attention if they experience any concerning symptoms.
| Short Descr | HDR RDNCL SKN SURF BRACHYTX | Medium Descr | HDR RDNCL SK SRF BRCHYTX LES >2CM&2CHAN/MLT LES | Long Descr | Remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide skin surface brachytherapy, includes basic dosimetry, when performed; lesion diameter over 2.0 cm and 2 or more channels, or multiple lesions | 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 OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 6 - Therapeutic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P7A - Oncology - radiation therapy | MUE | 2 |
| 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. | 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 | 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 | 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. | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter |
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| 2016-01-01 | Added | Added |
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