2025 CPT code 77761
Effective Date: N/A Radiology - Radiation Oncology Feed
Intracavitary radiation source application; simple (1-4 sources/ribbons).
Modifiers may be applicable to this code. Modifier 52 (Reduced Services) would be used if the procedure was significantly reduced or discontinued. Modifier 78 (Return to the Operating Room) might apply if the patient had to return for unexpected complications related to the initial brachytherapy placement. Modifier 26 (Professional Component) is used to indicate only the physician's professional services were provided.
Medical necessity for 77761 must be established by documenting the diagnosis requiring brachytherapy, the specific site of treatment (body cavity), and the rationale for choosing intracavitary brachytherapy as the appropriate treatment modality.
The therapeutic radiologist is solely responsible for supervising the placement of radioelements and interpreting the dosage. This includes determining the appropriate number and placement of sources, ensuring patient safety during the procedure, and monitoring the treatment response.
In simple words: This procedure involves placing a small number of radioactive materials inside a body opening, like the vagina or prostate, to treat cancer. The doctor carefully positions these materials to target the tumor directly.
This code represents the placement of one to four radioactive sources within a body cavity (intracavitary) for brachytherapy treatment. It includes physician supervision, handling, and loading of the radiation source(s). The radioactive sources can be natural or man-made radioelements. This code also includes the initial placement of the applicators for holding the radioactive sources.
Example 1: A patient with cervical cancer undergoes brachytherapy with placement of three radioactive sources in the vagina., A patient with prostate cancer receives brachytherapy with the insertion of four radioactive seeds directly into the prostate gland., A patient with endometrial cancer has two radioactive ribbons placed within the uterine cavity.
Documentation should include the number and type of radioactive sources used, the location of placement (body cavity), confirmation of proper placement, the treatment time, and any associated dosimetry calculations. Physician documentation should also support the medical necessity of the procedure.
- Specialties:Radiation Oncology, Urology, Gynecologic Oncology
- Place of Service: "Inpatient Hospital", "On Campus-Outpatient Hospital", "Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital", "Ambulatory Surgical Center",