Summary & Overview
HCPCS Level II C1716: Brachytherapy Source, Gold-198
HCPCS Level II code C1716 denotes a non-stranded gold-198 brachytherapy source billed per source. Brachytherapy sources like gold-198 seeds are implanted to deliver localized radiation for oncologic indications, making this supply code important for procedural planning, cost accounting, and claims processing nationwide. Clarity on coding for these discrete radioactive sources affects facility charge capture and alignment with radiation oncology workflows.
Key payers included in the analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the code’s clinical context and typical sites of service, reimbursement and coverage benchmarks where available, and payer-specific considerations relevant to claims submission and billing practice. The publication outlines common modifiers and billing practices, highlights points of payer variability, and summarizes available policy language. Data not available in the input is noted where appropriate. The content is intended for revenue cycle professionals, coding specialists, and radiation oncology administrators who require a national-level summary of how HCPCS Level II code C1716 is used and interpreted across major payers.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code C1716 represents a brachytherapy source, non-stranded, gold-198, billed per source. This item is used when individual gold-198 radioactive seeds are supplied for use in internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy).
Service Type: Brachytherapy supply
Typical Site of Service: Hospital outpatient departments, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialized radiation oncology clinics where brachytherapy procedures are performed.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 68-year-old male with a localized prostate malignancy is scheduled for permanent seed brachytherapy using gold-198 non-stranded sources. Following consultation with radiation oncology, the patient undergoes a pre-procedure workup including cross-sectional imaging and prostate volume assessment. On the day of the procedure the patient is brought to the operating room or procedure suite under monitored anesthesia care or general anesthesia. Under transrectal ultrasound guidance, the radiation oncologist and brachytherapy team implant individual C1716 gold-198 non-stranded seeds into targeted regions of the prostate to deliver a focused radiotherapeutic dose. Post-implant imaging (CT or MRI) is performed for dosimetric verification and documentation of source placement. The clinical workflow commonly involves coordination among radiation oncology, radiation physics, and perioperative nursing, with billing capturing the per-source supply of C1716 in addition to professional services for implantation, anesthesia, and imaging.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | Default/No modifier | Use when no other modifier applies to the service provided. |