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Remote afterloading high dose rate (HDR) radionuclide brachytherapy is a specialized procedure used in the treatment of certain cancers. This technique involves the precise delivery of radioactive sources directly to the tumor site, allowing for high doses of radiation to be administered while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. The term "remote afterloading" refers to the method by which the radioactive material is loaded into the applicators after they have been placed in the patient, ensuring that the physician can maintain a safe distance during the actual delivery of radiation. This procedure is typically performed in a controlled environment, where the patient is closely monitored throughout the process. The use of a remote afterloading machine allows for accurate timing and control of the radiation exposure, which is critical for the effectiveness of the treatment. The procedure is meticulously planned, often requiring separate isodose planning to determine the optimal placement and dosage of the radioactive source. The complexity of HDR brachytherapy is reflected in the coding, where the number of channels used to deliver the radioactive source is a key factor in determining the appropriate CPT® code for billing purposes.
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Remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide brachytherapy is indicated for the treatment of various malignancies where localized radiation therapy is beneficial. The following conditions may warrant the use of this procedure:
The procedure for remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide brachytherapy involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment delivery:
After the completion of remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide brachytherapy, patients may require specific post-procedure care. This includes monitoring for any immediate side effects related to the radiation therapy, such as localized discomfort or changes in the treatment area. Patients are typically advised on follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to monitor for any potential complications. Additionally, safety protocols regarding radiation exposure may be discussed, including guidelines for interaction with others and any necessary precautions to take in the days following the procedure. The overall recovery process will vary based on individual patient factors and the extent of the treatment performed.
Short Descr | HDR BRACHYTX 1 CHANNEL | Medium Descr | REMOTE AFTLD RADIONUCLIDE BRACHYTX 1 CHANNEL | Long Descr | Remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide brachytherapy; 1 channel | 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 | Type of Service (TOS) | 6 - Therapeutic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other | MUE | Not applicable/unspecified. | CCS Clinical Classification | 211 - Therapeutic radiology |