September 2008 Coding Tip (View More 2008 Coding Tips)

Utilization of CPT Code 61793 as Stated in the July 2008 CPT® Assistant

• CPT code 61793 (stereotactic radiosurgery (particle beam, gamma ray or linear accelerator), one or more sessions) is intended to be reported for stereotactic radiosurgery performed on cranial and spinal areas only. Stereotactic radiosurgery performed on other body areas should be reported with the appropriate unlisted procedure or service code for that particular body system (e.g. stereotactic radiosurgery performed on the lung would be reported with code 32999 (unlisted procedure, lungs and pleura).
• CPT code 61793 may be charged “per lesion” using modifier -51 (multiple procedures) or -59 (distinct procedure), dependant on payer preferences.
• CPT code 61793 can be reported with modifier -22 (increased procedural service) if the procedure is particularly difficult or involves multiple isocenters.
• Modifier -58 (staged or related procedure) is not appropriate with CPT code 61793 – one or more sessions are included by definition.
• CPT code 20660 (application of cranial tongs, caliper or stereotactic frame, including removal (separate procedure)) is not reported in addition to CPT code 61793 as it is included by definition in CPT code 61793.
• CPT code 61795 (stereotactic computer assisted volumetric (navigational) procedure, intracranial, extra cranial or spinal) is not reported in addition to CPT code 61793.