2025 CPT code 77013
Effective Date: N/A Radiology Procedures > Radiologic Guidance Feed
Computed tomography guidance for, and monitoring of, parenchymal tissue ablation.
Modifiers 26 and TC can be used if appropriate.
Medical necessity for CT guidance during ablation must be clearly documented. The documentation should support the reason why image guidance is essential for the safe and effective performance of the ablation, considering factors such as tumor location, size, and surrounding structures.
The physician providing CT guidance is responsible for the accurate placement and monitoring of the ablation instrument. They interpret the CT images in real time to guide the instrument to the targeted area, ensuring the procedure's safety and effectiveness. They do not perform the actual ablation, which is carried out by another specialist.
In simple words: The doctor uses a CT scan to guide a special needle to the exact spot in your body that needs treatment. The CT scan helps make sure the treatment is delivered to the right place.
This code reports the physician's service for computed tomography (CT) guidance and monitoring during parenchymal tissue ablation.The physician uses CT imaging to locate the specific tissue needing ablation and then guides the ablation instrument (such as a needle electrode) to the target area.The CT monitoring ensures accurate placement and treatment. This code does not include the ablation procedure itself; a separate code should be used for the ablation (e.g., 32998 for pulmonary tumors, 47382 for liver tumors, or 50592/50593 for renal tumors).
Example 1: A patient with a small lung tumor undergoes CT-guided radiofrequency ablation. Code 77013 is reported for the CT guidance and monitoring, along with the appropriate ablation code (32998)., A patient with a liver lesion undergoes CT-guided cryoablation. Code 77013 is used to report the CT guidance, along with the appropriate ablation code (47382)., A patient with a renal tumor undergoes CT-guided microwave ablation. Code 77013 is reported for the guidance, alongside the relevant ablation code (50592 or 50593).
Documentation should include details of the CT guidance and monitoring, including the location and size of the targeted tissue, the type of ablation performed, and any complications encountered. The report should also confirm that the CT guidance was necessary for successful ablation.
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is applicable if the physician is only billing for the technical component of the service.
- Specialties:Radiology, Interventional Radiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center