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    OpenPayerBilling CodesProton Beam Radiation Treatment DeliveryCPT cpt-77522-proton-beam-therapy-technical-single-port
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    CPT 77522: Proton Beam Therapy, Technical Component (Simple, Single Port)

    CPT code 77522 describes the technical component of proton beam radiation therapy delivered in a simple treatment setup using a single non‑tangential port with compensation; the code covers the technical services and equipment used to administer the proton beam. This service is a radiation therapy procedure typically provided in an outpatient radiation oncology department or freestanding proton therapy center and is billed as the technical portion of treatment separate from the professional component.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Clinical Review Criteria Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM), Remote Electrical Neuromodulation for Migraines (i.e., Nerivio®), Lumbar Microdiscectomy.

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    Table of contents

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 62-year-old patient with a solitary, localized tumor of the base of the skull is referred to radiation oncology for definitive proton beam therapy. After multidisciplinary review and CT/MRI treatment planning, the patient undergoes daily simple proton beam treatment using a single non‑tangential port with range compensator (compensation) as part of a short-course regimen. Treatment occurs in a hospital‑based or free‑standing radiation oncology facility with a dedicated proton therapy unit and physics/technical staff. The clinical workflow includes simulation (CT and MRI fusion), immobilization device fabrication, treatment planning by the dosimetrist and radiation oncologist, physics quality assurance, and delivery of the technical component of proton irradiation by radiation therapists under the direction of the radiation oncologist. Documentation includes the indication, simulation images, treatment plan and dose distribution, daily treatment records, applicable safety checks, and billing for the technical component using 77522.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    77301Image‑guided radiation therapy (IGRT) intensity‑modulated/other complex guidance for localization of target volume for each radiation therapy sessionOften performed immediately prior to 77522 delivery for daily target localization using cone‑beam CT or planar imaging.
    77295Therapeutic radiology simulation-aided field setting and simulation, simpleSimulation services that precede planning and delivery of proton therapy; used during the planning workflow.
    77334Treatment devices, immobilization system, per dayBilling for immobilization devices and related accessories used during the proton therapy course.
    77336Continuing medical physics consultation, including assessment of treatment parameters and quality assurancePerformed in support of proton delivery; documents physics oversight and QA for 77522 treatments.
    77412Therapeutic radiology port film for localization and localization; simpleVerification imaging often used in setup and verification for each fraction prior to 77522 delivery.

    Related Modifiers

    7 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…
    50Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…
    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…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    363L00000X
    363A00000X
    224ZF0002X
    2080H0002X
    246YC3302X
    163WE0003X
    3336C0002X
    207VX0201X

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Neurology/Neurosurgery1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Clinical Review Criteria Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM)Kaiser Permanente2027-01-01
    Remote Electrical Neuromodulation for Migraines (i.e., Nerivio®)bcbsvermont2026-11-01
    Lumbar Microdiscectomyuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Artificial Cervical Intervertebral Discuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Lumbar Decompressionuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Responsive Neurostimulation for Focal EpilepsyPremera Bluecross2026-10-14
    Intraoperative MonitoringProvidence Health Plan2026-10-01
    Intraoperative MonitoringProvidence Health Plan2026-10-01
    High-Intensity Focused UltrasoundMass General Brigham Health Plan2026-10-01
    Vagal Nerve StimulationAmbetter Nevada2026-10-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-77520-PROTON-BEAM-RADIATION-TECHNICAL-SIMPLE-TECHNIQUE

    CPT 77520: Proton Beam Radiation Therapy, Technical Component

    CPT-77523-PROTON-BEAM-RADIATION-THERAPY-TECHNICAL-INTERMEDIATE

    CPT 77523: Proton Beam Radiation Therapy, Technical Component (Intermediate)

    CPT-77525-COMPLEX-PROTON-BEAM-RADIATION-THERAPY-TECHNICAL

    CPT 77525: Proton Beam Radiation Therapy, Technical Component

    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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