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Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Brachytherapy Tip:

Earn Extra Bucks Knowing When to Report Q3001

Published on Thu May 11, 2006

Have invoices ready to go when your payers ask

You need to know whether each brachytherapy session involves a one-use source or a multiple-use source.

Why? If your private practice bears the cost of purchasing radioactive sources used for an individual patient for brachytherapy treatments, such as prostate seeds, you may report Q3001 (Radioelements for brachytherapy, any type, each), says Cindy Parman, CPC, CPC-H, RCC, co-owner of Coding Strategies Inc. in Powder Springs, Ga.

Your documentation should include the dosage administered, the unit price per dose, the name of the radioactive drug or element, and the total charge.

Expect an increase in payer requests for invoices, Parman says. Your payer may only reimburse you for the amount on the invoice.
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