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Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Test Your Treatment Planning Knowledge

Published on Mon Nov 14, 2005

Question: How should I code for simple therapeutic radiology treatment planning documented only in the dictated summary following treatment?


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Answer: You shouldn't code for treatment planning if the physician only documents it in the dictated summary. Why: To be a -plan,- the treatment planning must be completed by the physician before the patient's treatment.

If the physician does document the planning before commencing treatment, you should report 77261 (Therapeutic radiology treatment planning; simple). The physician may amend or update the plan throughout the therapy course as he makes changes.
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