CPT® Code 77605

Hyperthermia, externally generated, is a medical procedure designed to elevate the temperature of targeted areas within the body, specifically focusing on superficial or subcutaneous tumor cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This technique is particularly effective for treating various types of tumors, including both primary and metastatic forms, such as recurring melanoma, recurrent breast cancer located in the chest wall, and cervical lymph node metastases resulting from head or neck cancers. The underlying principle of this procedure is based on the fact that tumor cells exhibit a higher sensitivity to increased temperatures compared to normal cells. By raising the temperature of these malignant cells, hyperthermia can enhance the therapeutic effects of concurrent treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. Additionally, the procedure may stimulate certain components of the immune system, which play a crucial role in targeting and destroying abnormal cells. The heat required for this treatment is generated through methods such as microwave, radiofrequency, or ultrasound, and is applied to a precisely defined area using specialized applicators. Typically, hyperthermia therapy is administered 1 to 2 times per week, culminating in a total of 10 to 12 treatment sessions. Following each session, tumor cells may develop thermotolerance within 8 to 12 hours, with the temperature gradually returning to normal levels over the course of 2 to 4 days. The coding for this procedure encompasses not only the treatment itself but also the management of the overall treatment course, the physics planning involved, the insertion of temperature sensors, and the utilization of heat-generating sources. For reference, CPT® Code 77600 is designated for externally generated hyperthermia treatment targeting a superficial area, defined as a depth of 4 cm or less.