Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Practice Test

For complex brachytherapy isodose calculation related to prostate cancer, what are the reported codes for the professional component only?

1. 77328-26, 185

2. 77328, 185

3. 77328-27, 185

4. 77328-26, 186

The correct answer is: 77328-26, 185

The correct choice includes the appropriate coding for the professional component involved in complex brachytherapy isodose calculations specifically related to prostate cancer. In this context, the code 77328 is used for the brachytherapy treatment planning and refers to the complete process of calculating the distribution of the radiation dose in complex brachytherapy cases. The modifier -26 indicates that this code refers specifically to the professional component of the service, meaning it is billed for the professional work involved in interpreting and preparing the treatment plan, as opposed to the technical component, which would involve the equipment and facilities used during the procedure. Additionally, the inclusion of the code 185 aligns with the coding guidelines for cancer diagnosis, particularly prostate cancer, ensuring the coding accurately reflects both the treatment planning and the associated malignancy diagnosis. Choosing this specific combination properly addresses the professional component of complex brachytherapy while complying with coding conventions relevant to prostate cancer management. Other options may not correctly reflect the required modifiers or use codes that are not appropriate for the professional component of the brachytherapy calculations.