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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesRadiation Treatment ManagementCPT cpt-77437-superficial-radiation-therapy-per-fraction
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    CPT 77437: Superficial Radiation Therapy, Per Fraction

    Medicare pays $115 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 77437 describes a single session (per fraction) of surface radiation therapy (superficial radiation) using X-rays ≤150 kV, a technique for treating skin cancers and superficial lesions where radiation penetration is about 1.5–2 cm or less; the service is delivery of superficial radiotherapy and the typical site of service is outpatient radiation oncology or dermatology procedure suites providing SRT to cutaneous lesions.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Destruction of Pre-Malignant Skin Lesions, Onychomycosis diagnostic testing and coverage, Treatment of Capillary Malformations (Port Wine Stains).

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is an adult with a superficial skin malignancy such as a basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma limited to the epidermis and superficial dermis on a sun-exposed area (for example, the nose, cheek, forehead, scalp, or hand). The patient is evaluated in a dermatology or radiation oncology clinic where the lesion is documented, photographed, and measured. A biopsy confirming the diagnosis is available and discussed. Surface radiation therapy using low-energy X-rays (superficial radiation therapy) is selected when the lesion depth is generally less than 1.5–2.0 cm, when surgical excision may cause unacceptable cosmetic or functional deficit, or when the patient prefers a non‑surgical option.

    The clinical workflow includes pre-treatment planning with lesion mapping and field marking, immobilization as needed, selection of applicator size and energy (≤150 kV), and documentation of fractionation and dose. Each treatment session is billed per fraction using 77437. Treatment is typically delivered in a clinic-based procedure room or outpatient radiation therapy suite with appropriate shielding and safety protocols. Follow-up includes wound care instructions, skin reactions monitoring, and periodic surveillance for recurrence.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    17000Destruction (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), premalignant lesion (eg, actinic keratosis); first lesionPerformed prior to or instead of 77437 for superficial premalignant lesions or when destruction is chosen instead of SRT.
    11102Tangential biopsy of skin, single lesionDiagnostic procedure used to obtain tissue for histologic confirmation before planning 77437.
    11600Excision, malignant lesion including margins, trunk, arms or legs; excised diameter 0.5 cm or lessSurgical alternative to SRT; documented when surgery is performed instead of or prior to radiation.
    77261Therapeutic radiology treatment planning; simpleUsed when formal radiation therapy planning is required for SRT delivery workflows.
    77432Therapeutic radiology simulation-aided field setting; simpleSimulation or field setup services that may be performed as part of preparing for 77437 treatments.

    Related Modifiers

    6 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    79Modifier 79 indicates a surgical procedure performed during the postoperative global period of a prior surgery that is unrelated to the original procedure. Per AMA/CPT and CMS guidance, it is…- Use modifier 79 when the same physician (or same‑specialty physician in the same group) performs a surgical procedure during the postoperative global period of a prior surgery and the new procedure…
    24Modifier 24 denotes an unrelated evaluation and management (E/M) service performed by the same physician or qualified healthcare professional during a postoperative global period. Per CPT guidance,…- Use modifier 24 when you report an evaluation and management (E/M) service performed by the same physician or same-specialty group during a procedure’s postoperative global period that is unrelated…
    25CPT modifier 25 indicates that on the same day as another procedure or service, the same physician or other qualified health care professional provided a significant, separately identifiable…- When to apply: Use modifier 25 only on an E/M code to indicate the same provider delivered a significant, separately identifiable E/M service on the same day as another procedure or service — i.e.,…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    2084P0800X
    2086S0102X
    207R00000X
    363L00000X
    208000000X
    171100000X
    246RP1900X
    207ZM0300X

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Dermatology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Destruction of Pre-Malignant Skin LesionsAnthem2026-10-01
    Onychomycosis diagnostic testing and coverageOscar Health2026-10-01
    Treatment of Capillary Malformations (Port Wine Stains)universityofutahhealthplans2026-09-28
    AnzupgoCigna2026-09-15
    Zevaskyn Coverage for Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis BullosaCigna2026-09-01
    Topical Acne-Non-Retinoid ProductsCigna2026-08-15
    Dermatology - Vtama Drug Quantity Management Policy - Per DaysCigna2026-08-15
    Medical Necessity Guidelines: Acne and Rosacea Medicationsharvard pilgrim health care2026-08-11
    Dermatology - Anzupgo Prior Authorization PolicyCigna2026-08-05
    Light Therapy for Dermatologic Conditionsbcbsvermont2026-08-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-77427-RADIATION-THERAPY-MANAGEMENT-EXTERNAL-BEAM

    CPT 77427: Radiation Treatment Management

    CPT-77431-RADIOTHERAPY-MANAGEMENT-ONE-TWO-FRACTION-COURSE

    CPT 77431: Management of Short-Course Fractionated Radiotherapy

    CPT-77432-SINGLE-SESSION-STEREOTACTIC-RADIOSURGERY-PROFESSIONAL

    CPT 77432: Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Single Session (Professional Component)

    CPT-77435-STEREOTACTIC-BODY-RADIOTHERAPY-TREATMENT-MANAGEMENT

    CPT 77435: Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Course (≤5 Fractions)

    CPT-77438-ORTHOVOLTAGE-SURFACE-RADIATION-THERAPY-SINGLE-FRACTION

    CPT 77438: Orthovoltage Surface Radiation Therapy, Single Fraction

    CPT-77439-ULTRASOUND-GUIDED-SRT-FIELD-PLACEMENT

    CPT 77439: Ultrasound-Guided SRT Field Localization for Cutaneous Tumors

    CPT-77469-INTRAOPERATIVE-RADIATION-THERAPY-IORT-DURING-SURGERY

    CPT 77469: Intraoperative Radiation Therapy Management

    CPT-77470-SPECIAL-RADIOTHERAPY-MANAGEMENT

    CPT 77470: Special Radiotherapy Procedures Requiring Additional Management

    CPT-77499-UNLISTED-THERAPEUTIC-RADIOLOGY-TREATMENT-MANAGEMENT

    CPT 77499: Therapeutic Radiology Treatment Management, Unlisted

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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