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Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Nix 77261 for Nuclear Medicine Treatment

Published on Fri Sep 23, 2005

Question: Can I code for treatment planning (CPT 77261 -CPT 77263 ) along with nuclear medicine therapy?


Maine Subscriber
Answer: Unfortunately, no--the codes for nuclear medicine include treatment planning, calculations, treatment devices, and all other services you need to provide the procedure. Exception: Most payers allow you to code for the radiopharmaceutical separately if you provide it.

Example: Your report indicates that the provider administered oral I-131 therapy. You should report 79005 (Radiopharmaceutical therapy, by oral administration) and A9530 (Supply of radiopharmaceutical therapeutic agent, I-131 sodium iodide solution, per millicurie). If your payer requires you to send in an invoice for reimbursement, you should be able to include shipping and handling charges along with any other reasonable expenses for acquiring the pharmaceutical
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