CPT 77620Radiology

Hyperthermia gen intrcv prb

CPT 77620 covers hyperthermia treatment delivered through a probe placed inside a body cavity, using heat to treat tumors (often in combination with radiation therapy). This specialized oncology procedure heats cancerous tissue to temperatures that make it more vulnerable to radiation or chemotherapy.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$612.00

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

1.56

PE RVU (NF)

16.96

MP RVU

0.4

Total RVU

18.92

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

Loading bundling edits…

Billing tips

Document exact probe placement location, insertion depth, and cavity treated with specific anatomical terminology to support medical necessity and differentiate from superficial hyperthermia codes
Impact: Prevents downcoding to lower-paying hyperthermia codes or complete denial; can protect full $612 reimbursement versus $200-400 for alternative codes
Record continuous temperature monitoring data with timestamps showing sustained therapeutic temperatures (40-45°C) throughout treatment duration, including all probe sensor readings
Impact: Critical for medical necessity defense during audits; absence of temperature logs is the leading cause of post-payment recoupment
Bill on the same claim with radiation therapy codes (77xxx series) when performed as combined modality treatment, using modifier 59 if needed to show distinct service
Impact: Ensures payers understand the comprehensive treatment plan; may increase overall reimbursement by 15-25% compared to unbundled billing across multiple dates
Verify LCD (Local Coverage Determination) requirements for your MAC jurisdiction as hyperthermia coverage varies significantly; some require prior authorization
Impact: Prevents 100% denials in jurisdictions requiring pre-authorization; can save 30-60 days in payment delay and appeal costs
Document treatment session duration in minutes (typically 60+ minutes) and correlate with radiation oncologist's treatment plan showing hyperthermia as medically necessary adjunct
Impact: Supports intensity of service for the 18.92 RVU assignment; vague time documentation can trigger review and payment reduction
Use place of service code 22 (on-campus outpatient hospital) correctly for hospital-based treatments, as this affects whether facility or non-facility rate applies

Live Field Datano reports yet

Real billers contribute denial patterns and appeal strategies for this code. Once 5+ reports come in, you’ll see live aggregated data here — the only place this exists, free.

Working with CPT 77620?

Get the free Revenue Protection Toolkit — the denial triggers, modifier pitfalls, and bundling conflicts that quietly cost you reimbursement. Instant download.

Help build the field knowledge

MedPayIQ gets smarter as billers contribute. If you've had this code denied, share what happened so others learn from it. Anonymous, no patient info.

Related actions

Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 77620 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 77620 is $612 for both facility and non-facility settings. This is based on a total RVU of 18.92 multiplied by the conversion factor of 32.3465. Actual payment may vary by geographic locality based on the GPCI adjustments in your area.

Can CPT 77620 be billed on the same day as radiation therapy treatment?

Yes, CPT 77620 can and typically should be billed on the same day as radiation therapy codes when hyperthermia is used as an adjunct treatment. Use modifier 59 if needed to indicate a distinct procedural service and prevent inappropriate bundling denials. Documentation must clearly show both services were medically necessary and separately performed.

What is the difference between CPT 77620 and other hyperthermia codes?

CPT 77620 specifically describes hyperthermia using a general intracavitary probe placed inside a body cavity. This differs from 77600 (superficial hyperthermia), 77605 (deep hyperthermia using external applicators), and 77615 (interstitial hyperthermia with implanted probes). The intracavitary approach uses natural body openings rather than skin surface or tissue implantation.

What documentation is required to support billing CPT 77620?

Essential documentation includes the cancer diagnosis, specific cavity where the probe was placed, complete temperature monitoring data showing therapeutic temperatures were achieved and maintained, treatment duration, probe specifications, physician supervision notes, and correlation with the radiation oncology treatment plan. Temperature logs with timestamps are critical for audit defense.

Do all Medicare contractors cover CPT 77620 hyperthermia treatments?

Coverage for CPT 77620 varies by Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) and specific Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs). Some MACs require prior authorization or limit coverage to specific cancer types with supporting clinical evidence. Always verify LCD requirements for your jurisdiction before performing the service to avoid denials.

What are the work RVUs for CPT 77620?

CPT 77620 has a work RVU of 1.56, practice expense RVU of 16.96 (both facility and non-facility), and malpractice RVU of 0.4, totaling 18.92 RVUs. The high practice expense RVU reflects the significant equipment and technical staff costs associated with hyperthermia delivery and monitoring systems.

What specialties typically bill CPT 77620?

CPT 77620 is primarily billed by radiation oncologists and medical oncologists with specialized hyperthermia training. It may also be billed by gynecologic oncologists and surgical oncologists in comprehensive cancer centers that offer combined modality treatments. The performing physician must have documented competency in hyperthermia therapy techniques and patient monitoring.