Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: When a neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist work together for stereotactic radiosurgery, may I append modifier 62 to 61796-61799 for the radiation oncologist's services?

Idaho Subscriber

Answer: No. The Medicare physician fee schedule indicates that modifier 62 (Two surgeons) is not appropriate for 61796-61799 (Stereotactic radiosurgery ...) by placing a "0" in the co-surgeon column.

Typically, the radiation oncologist's services merit 77432 (Stereotactic radiation treatment management of cranial lesion[s] [complete course of treatment consisting of 1 session]).

Smart move: Just because you don't report 61796- 61799 doesn't mean you shouldn't read the CPT guidelines preceding these codes. They spell out that while the neurosurgeon reports the radiosurgery and headframe application codes, the radiation oncologist reports (when appropriate):

• clinical treatment planning

• physics and dosimetry

• treatment delivery

• management.