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Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Category III Update:

Post These Brachytherapy Guidelines Front and Center

Published on Thu Aug 02, 2007

You may not be able to count on CCI software to keep you in the clear A glance through Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) version 13.2 could lead you to the conclusion that July 1 didn't bring you any important coding restrictions. Not so fast! You-ve got to learn a long list of codes you can't pair with a new Category III code. The lowdown: Effective July 1, new electronic brachytherapy code 0182T (High dose rate electronic brachytherapy, per fraction) is available for your use when the radiation oncologist uses a Xoft Axxent miniaturized x-ray source -- rather than radioactive isotopes -- to apply radiation within the body directly to a tumor bed. The catch: The new code comes with the guideline not to report it with 77761-77763 (Intracavitary radiation source application -), 77776-77778 (Interstitial radiation source application -), 77781-77784 (Remote afterloading high intensity brachytherapy -) and 77789 (Surface application of radiation source). Resource: You can see the full list of Category III codes online at www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/362/07catiiicodes4507.pdf.
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