Wiki 77290 - Complex

[ginger10]

I am new to radiation coding, and I have reviewed the 2014 updates for Radiation coding and have a question. The 77290 (complex) code states three or more treatment areas, or any number of treatment areas if any of the following are involved: particle, rotation or arc therapy, complex blocking, custom shielding, brachytherapy simulation, hyperthermia probe verification, and any use contrast material.

Does anyone have clarification on the complex blocking and custom shielding? Where can I find a definition, or what classifies these as complex and custom?

Thanks,
Ginger

 

[teblizzy]

A complex or custom device is one that is conformal to the patient's anatomy. Typically this will be for a device that is shaped per the anatomy and the structures which it is limiting dose to. A standard device, billed as simple 77332, is one that is off the shelf can be used for several patients or does not conform to the anatomy. Typically it is straight and not shaped to the area it is blocking. Anything which is custom or complex was designed specific to the patient based upon the scan or area of treatment.

Teri Bedard, BA, RT(R)(T), CPC