Advanced Search

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Category III Update:

Post These Brachytherapy Guidelines Front and Center

Published on Thu Aug 02, 2007

You may not be able to count on CCI software to keep you in the clear A glance through Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) version 13.2 could lead you to the conclusion that July 1 didn't bring you any important coding restrictions. Not so fast! You-ve got to learn a long list of codes you can't pair with a new Category III code. The lowdown: Effective July 1, new electronic brachytherapy code 0182T (High dose rate electronic brachytherapy, per fraction) is available for your use when the radiation oncologist uses a Xoft Axxent miniaturized x-ray source -- rather than radioactive isotopes -- to apply radiation within the body directly to a tumor bed. The catch: The new code comes with the guideline not to report it with 77761-77763 (Intracavitary radiation source application -), 77776-77778 (Interstitial radiation source application -), 77781-77784 (Remote afterloading high intensity brachytherapy -) and 77789 (Surface application of radiation source). Resource: You can see the full list of Category III codes online at www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/362/07catiiicodes4507.pdf.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

View All