Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: I-ve always billed 77417 per the number of films taken (2, 3, 4) but I recently read in CPT Assistant (February 2006 Vol. 16, Issue 2) that -port films are reported by the facility, once per five fractions or once per week of treatment management per patient, regardless of the number of films required or portals evaluated.- Is this a new clarification or has it always been this way?


Idaho Subscriber
 

Answer: Many commercial insurers would reimburse you for multiple films in the past, but this clarification may change things for you.

Why it makes sense: Code 77417 (Therapeutic radiology port film[s]) includes the term -film(s).- The -(s)- means that you should report 77417 once regardless of the number of films taken.

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.