Summary & Overview
HCPCS C1719: Brachytherapy Source, Iridium-192, Non-Stranded
HCPCS Level II code C1719 identifies a single non-stranded, non-high dose rate iridium-192 brachytherapy source used in radiation oncology. The code is relevant to facilities and clinicians that provide brachytherapy implants for localized cancer treatment, as it specifies supply billing for individual radioactive sources. Nationally, accurate coding of brachytherapy sources affects facility billing, inventory reporting, and payer coverage decisions for oncologic procedures.
Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will learn the clinical context of C1719, the typical sites of service where these sources are used, and the billing considerations tied to per-source supply reporting. The publication also summarizes common modifiers and payer coverage patterns where available and highlights policy and documentation areas that affect claim adjudication.
This summary provides benchmarks and policy-oriented detail to help revenue cycle managers, coding professionals, and radiation oncology administrators understand where C1719 fits in service lines, how it is documented on the claim, and what payer categories are most relevant for coverage and reimbursement considerations. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code C1719 denotes a brachytherapy source, non-stranded, non-high dose rate iridium-192, per source. This code represents an individual radioactive source used in low-dose-rate brachytherapy procedures where sources are placed directly into or near a treatment site to deliver localized radiation.
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Service type: Brachytherapy source supply and implant material for radiation oncology procedures
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Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient departments, hospital inpatient settings, and radiation oncology clinics where brachytherapy implants are performed
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient with localized gynecologic or thoracic malignancy is scheduled for low-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy using non-stranded iridium-192 sources. Typical patients are adults with early-stage cervical cancer, vaginal cuff recurrence, selected endometrial recurrences, or selected thoracic/mediastinal tumor implants where permanent or temporary LDR implants are indicated. The clinical workflow begins with multidisciplinary tumor board planning, imaging-based target delineation (MRI or CT), and pre-procedure consent. In the procedural suite or operating room under sedation or general anesthesia, the radiation oncologist and brachytherapy team place applicators or interstitial needles into the target volume. Individual non-stranded iridium-192 sources (C1719) are loaded into the applicators per the treatment plan; source counts are documented. After source loading, post-implant imaging confirms placement and dosimetry is performed. The patient is monitored during recovery and given post-procedure instructions, with scheduled follow-up visits for toxicity assessment and oncologic surveillance.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier | Standard reporting when no modifier applies |