Urology Coding Alert

During brachytherapy, a radiation oncologist places low-dose radioactive seeds into a cancerous prostate to deliver radiation directly. Before the procedure, the oncologist also measures the prostate and calculates the dosimetry of radiation required using specialized radiological equipment and technology.

Using ultrasonic guidance, the urologist guides needles into the prostate through the perineum. To make sure the oncologist didn't misplace any of the seeds and to ensure that none of the seeds migrated into the prostatic urethra or bladder, the urologist then visualizes the prostate and bladder via cystoscopy, fluoroscopy or x-ray.