AMA releases new Current Procedural Terminology codes

Friday September 2, 2011 the AMA released new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes that will be reported by hospitals, physicians and ambulatory centers providing coverage for additional treatment options for cancer patients. The new CPT codes, 77425 Intraoperative radiation treatment (IORT) delivery, electrons, single treatment session and 77469 for Intraoperative radiation treatment management, open new options for a single radiation treatment session for cancer patients. Details specific to reimbursement will be announced later this year and the new codes will be available for use on January 1, 2012.

"We are pleased that the AMA and ASTRO supported these codes for electron IORT. By approving new CPT codes for electron IORT procedures, patients will have greater access to a single, two minute, radiation treatment during surgery. These patients will benefit from a reduction of up to seven weeks of external beam radiation, also reducing the toxicity of their treatment and providing a quick return their normal lives." said John Powers, Chief Executive Officer of IntraOp. "We anticipate that these new codes will increase patient awareness and availability of electron IORT to cancer patients throughout the United States."