Summary & Overview
HCPCS Level II C2643: Cesium-131 Brachytherapy Source, Non-Stranded
HCPCS Level II code C2643 designates a non-stranded cesium-131 brachytherapy source billed on a per-source basis. This supply code is used in radiation oncology to account for implantable radioactive seeds employed in localized brachytherapy, typically for malignancies where targeted radiation delivery is preferred. The code matters nationally because it affects facility supply billing, inventory tracking, and per-source reimbursement for brachytherapy services across outpatient and ambulatory settings.
Key payers referenced include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of what the code represents, payer coverage considerations, and clinical service context. The publication provides benchmarks where available, notes on billing practice implications, and a summary of common modifier usage and associated administrative details. It also outlines typical sites of service and the clinical scenarios in which cesium-131 non-stranded sources are used.
Data not available in the input is clearly identified where applicable. This summary serves as a national reference for coding professionals, revenue cycle managers, and clinical staff involved with brachytherapy supply billing.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code C2643 represents a brachytherapy source, non-stranded, cesium-131, billed per source. This code describes an implantable radioactive source used in brachytherapy procedures where individual, non-stranded cesium-131 seeds are placed to deliver localized radiation.
-
Service type: Brachytherapy source supply for radiation oncology
-
Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient departments, ambulatory surgical centers, radiation oncology clinics
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a 65-year-old male or female diagnosed with a localized malignancy where intracavitary or interstitial brachytherapy using cesium-131 seeds is indicated (for example, recurrent head and neck cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, or select prostate or lung tumor implants). The patient presents to a multidisciplinary oncology clinic after imaging and biopsy confirm localized disease amenable to permanent-seed brachytherapy. Pre-procedure workflow includes multidisciplinary review by radiation oncology and surgical teams, pre-procedure imaging (CT/MRI and/or ultrasound) to define target volumes, medical evaluation for anesthesia risk, informed consent discussing radioactive implant and post-implant safety, and ordering of C2643 units (cesium-131, non-stranded sources) by physics and radiation therapy staff.
On the day of service the patient is brought to an operating room or procedure suite with radiation-safe handling protocols. The radiation oncologist and surgical team implant the prescribed number of C2643 sources into the target tissue using image guidance. For each implanted C2643 source, the medical physicist documents source inventory, calibration, and seed placement. Post-implant CT or radiograph verifies source distribution and dose calculations. The patient receives post-procedure instructions on radiation safety and follow-up for dosimetry review and oncologic surveillance. Typical sites of service are an outpatient ambulatory surgery center, hospital operating room, or dedicated radiation oncology brachytherapy suite depending on complexity and anesthesia needs.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description |
|---|