Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: Can our office receive compensation for supplying brachytherapy prostate seeds?

Texas Subscriber

Answer: Yes, you may.

If your private practice bears the cost of purchasing radioactive sources, such as prostate seeds, used for an individual patient for brachytherapy treatments, you may report Q3001 (Radioelements for brachytherapy, any type, each) in the office or independent clinic setting.

For example, if the physician planted 85 sources, you would report Q3001 with 85 units. Documentation should include dosage, unit price per dose, the name of the radioactive drug or element, and the total charge.
Expect an increase in payer requests for invoices. Your payer may only reimburse you for the invoice amount.

Place of service is crucial: Medicare will reimburse Q3001 only in an office or free-standing radiological facility (POS 11) or independent clinic (POS 49).

In an ambulatory surgical center (ASC), you would report the same "C" codes you-d apply for outpatient hospital reimbursement.