Radiology Coding Alert
Don't Miss the 'S' in Port Film Descriptor
Question: I've always billed CPT 77417 per the number of films taken (2, 3, 4), but I recently read in CPT Assistant (February 2006, Volume 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? Answer: Many commercial insurers would reimburse you for multiple films in the past, but this clarification may change things for you.
Idaho Subscriber
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.
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