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Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Prep Unlisted-Procedure Paperwork for Planning CT

Published on Thu Jan 19, 2006

Question: What codes should I use for CT slices fused with PET obtained for treatment planning?


New Jersey Subscriber
Answer: You have three possible codes:

- 76370--Computed tomography guidance for placement of radiation therapy fields

- 78999--Unlisted miscellaneous procedure, diagnostic nuclear medicine 

- 77399--Unlisted procedure, medical radiation physics, dosimetry and treatment devices, and special services. Use 76370 for the acquisition of CT slices used in treatment planning. The body area scanned doesn't affect the code.

Unlisted-procedure code 78999 may represent the acquisition of PET images for treatment planning, because there is no specific CPT code for the service.

You may report 77399, another unlisted-procedure code, for image fusion for radiation treatment planning. 

Remember: Unlisted-procedure codes bring in poor reimbursement. Include documentation to convince your payer that your services deserve adequate payment.
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