2025 CPT code 57155
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Introduction Procedures on the Vagina Surgery Feed
Insertion of uterine tandem and/or vaginal ovoids for clinical brachytherapy.
Modifiers may apply, such as -52 (reduced services), -62 (two surgeons), and -76 (repeat procedure by the same physician). Appropriate modifier selection depends on the specific circumstances of the procedure.
Brachytherapy is medically necessary for the treatment of various gynecological cancers when indicated by the patient's clinical presentation and imaging results. It is a treatment option selected based on tumor location, size, and other medical factors.
The physician's responsibilities include administering anesthesia, patient positioning, pelvic examination, catheter placement, visualization of the cervix, uterine cavity measurement, cervical dilation, tandem and ovoid selection and placement, radiological confirmation of placement, device securing, and removal of the applicators.
In simple words: The doctor inserts small devices into the uterus and cervix to deliver radiation therapy for cancer. This involves anesthesia, positioning, and X-rays to ensure the devices are correctly placed.The devices are removed after the radiation treatment.
This procedure involves the insertion of devices (tandem and ovoids) into the uterus and cervix to hold radioactive material for cancer treatment.The physician administers anesthesia, positions the patient in lithotomy, performs a pelvic exam, inserts a Foley catheter, uses retractors to visualize the cervix, measures the uterine cavity, dilates the cervix, selects and inserts an appropriately sized uterine tandem, places right and left ovoids, confirms placement with X-rays, and secures the devices. Removal of the devices is included.
Example 1: A 50-year-old female with cervical cancer undergoes brachytherapy. The gynecologic oncologist performs 57155, placing the tandem and ovoids. The radiation oncologist then inserts the radioactive material and administers the radiation treatment., A 62-year-old female with endometrial cancer receives brachytherapy.The gynecologist performs 57155, placing the tandem and ovoids.A -52 modifier might be used if a portion of the procedure is delegated., A 45-year-old female post-hysterectomy patient requires vaginal brachytherapy.Code 57156 (insertion of a vaginal afterloading apparatus) would be more appropriate than 57155 in this situation. The gynecologist performs 57156; then the radiation oncologist delivers the radiation.
Complete patient history, physical examination findings, imaging studies confirming the diagnosis, documentation of the procedure (including anesthesia type, device placement details, and radiological confirmation), and any complications encountered.
** The placement of a Smit sleeve (HDR stent) may be included, and the coding depends on whether it was performed in a separate session or by a separate physician.Consult the SGO guidelines and CPT manual for detailed information regarding modifier use in such scenarios.
- Revenue Code: P7A (ONCOLOGY - RADIATION THERAPY)
- RVU: Refer to CMS fee schedule for current RVUs.Values vary based on location and other factors.
- Global Days: The global period is not specified for this procedure.Billing guidelines should be consulted for specific payer requirements.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier does not usually apply to this code.The procedure is typically performed by a single physician and does not involve separate technical and professional components.Refer to NCCI guidelines.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedules are not included but can be accessed through CMS databases or private payers' fee schedules. The fee is subject to change over time.
- Specialties:Gynecologic Oncology, Radiation Oncology
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient)