Advanced Search

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Handle 77790 Coding Wisely

Published on Wed Feb 22, 2006

Question: What's included in code 77790?


Texas Subscriber
Answer: Code 77790 (Supervision, handling, loading of radiation source) reports just what it says: supervision, handling, and loading of the radiation source used for brachytherapy. The key is remembering that reporting the code doesn't depend on the number of sources or the complexity of the source.

Note: You should include the care of instruments involved, along with receipt of the radioelements, handling, accounting, logging, storing, inventory, and radiation surveys. Code 77790 is generally a technical-only code, because these are typically physics functions. The answers for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Cindy C. Parman, CPC, CPC-H, RCC, co-owner of Coding Strategies Inc. in Powder Springs, Ga., and president, American Academy of Professional Coders National Advisory Board.
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 your eNewsletter
  • 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
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

View All