2025 CPT code 77317
Effective Date: N/A Radiation Oncology Feed
Brachytherapy isodose plan; intermediate (calculations made from 5 to 10 sources, or remote afterloading brachytherapy, 2-12 channels), includes basic dosimetry calculations.
Modifiers may be applicable to indicate specific circumstances, such as reduced services (52), discontinued procedures (53), or distinct procedural services (59). Refer to modifier guidelines for appropriate use.
Medical necessity for brachytherapy is determined by the type and stage of the cancer, other treatment options, and the patient's overall health. Documentation should support the decision for brachytherapy and the chosen plan complexity.
The radiation oncologist is responsible for performing the brachytherapy isodose planning. This includes calculating the radiation dose, considering the type and stage of cancer, plotting the radiation distribution (isodose lines), and ensuring the safety of surrounding tissues.
In simple words: This procedure involves planning radiation therapy from the inside.Small radioactive sources are placed near the tumor, and the doctor carefully calculates the dose of radiation to target the cancer while sparing healthy tissue. This specific code (77317) describes a moderately complex plan using 5-10 sources or 2-12 channels.
This code refers to an intermediate level of complexity in brachytherapy isodose planning, involving calculations from 5 to 10 radiation sources or 2 to 12 channels for remote afterloading. It includes basic dosimetry calculations, meaning the measurement of radiation doses absorbed by the body.The procedure aims to map radiation distribution, maximizing tumor exposure while minimizing harm to surrounding tissues. The physician calculates the appropriate dose based on the cancer type and stage, plotting lines of equal radiation dose (isodose lines) to the target area.
Example 1: A patient with prostate cancer undergoes brachytherapy, and the physician uses 8 radioactive sources for treatment, requiring intermediate isodose planning (77317)., A patient with cervical cancer receives brachytherapy with a remote afterloading system using 6 channels. The physician uses 77317 for the isodose plan., A patient with breast cancer undergoes brachytherapy using 12 channels for interstitial placement. The planning, calculation and dosimetry falls under 77317.
Documentation should include the number and placement of radioactive sources, the type of brachytherapy used (e.g., remote afterloading, interstitial), isodose curves and calculations, dose to surrounding normal tissue and the rationale for the treatment plan.
- Specialties:Radiation Oncology
- Place of Service: Office, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital