2025 CPT code 77771
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Radiology - Radiation Oncology Feed
Remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial or intracavitary brachytherapy, includes basic dosimetry, when performed; 2-12 channels.
Modifiers may be applicable to indicate specific circumstances of the procedure. For example, modifier 59 may be used to indicate a distinct procedural service.
Medical necessity must be established by documenting the patient's diagnosis, the rationale for brachytherapy, and the expected benefits of the procedure compared to other treatment options. Pre-treatment imaging and biopsy results supporting the diagnosis and treatment plan should also be included.
The physician is responsible for planning and executing the brachytherapy procedure, including catheter placement, dose calculation, and administration of the radioactive source. They must ensure patient safety and monitor treatment efficacy.
In simple words: The doctor places a small tube with radioactive material inside the body near the tumor to treat it. This method is precise and minimizes damage to nearby healthy tissues. The treatment is done through 2 to 12 channels and includes calculating the right amount of radiation beforehand.
This code represents a procedure where a catheter is placed within cancerous tissue (interstitial) or a body cavity (intracavitary). This catheter is loaded with a high-energy radioactive substance to treat tumors using 2 to 12 channels. The procedure includes calculating the dose of the radioactive substance before loading it into the catheter.
Example 1: A patient with a breast tumor undergoes lumpectomy and has a multichannel applicator placed in the cavity for partial breast irradiation using HDR brachytherapy., A patient with prostate cancer receives interstitial brachytherapy, with radioactive seeds implanted directly into the prostate gland via 2-12 channels., A patient with cervical cancer undergoes intracavitary brachytherapy, with a radioactive source placed in the cervix using an applicator with multiple channels.
Documentation should include details of the catheter placement, type and strength of the radioactive source, number of channels used, dose calculations, treatment time, and any associated imaging guidance used.
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is applicable to this code when billing for the technical component only.
- Specialties:Radiation Oncology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center