The American Medical Association recently released early
information on code 0197T, a CPT® category III code, to
describe 4-dimensional tracking.
The descriptor of 0197T is intrafraction localization
tracking of target or patient motion during delivery of
radiation therapy. This would cover 4-dimensional positional
tracking using gating for each fraction of treatment. This
code is scheduled to be technical only and reported with the
treatment delivery code. Any type of linear accelerator that
provides tumor or patient motion tracking should qualify for
reimbursement for 0197T.
Because category III codes are paid exclusively by local
carrier determination, reimbursement for this code currently
remains variable different parts of the country. In Florida,
this code is currently paid at the participating fee schedule
of $120.76. In most other areas of the country, this a
tracking code to capture usage only. This code will be
included in the CPT® manual in 2010.
You can view a list of partial proposed 2009 and 2010
category III codes by clicking here.
Thank you,
Paul J. Schilling, MD, FACRO
Community Cancer Center of
North Florida
Gainesville, Florida
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