Summary & Overview
HCPCS Level II C2699: Brachytherapy Source, Non-Stranded, Per Source
HCPCS Level II code C2699 identifies a single non-stranded brachytherapy radioactive source supplied for use in internal radiation therapy. Brachytherapy sources are central to localized cancer treatments and procedural cost accounting because each source is billed per unit. Nationally, proper coding of these supply items affects facility billing, inventory tracking, and aggregate spend on radiation oncology supplies.
Key payers included in this overview are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of what the code represents, typical sites of service where the supplies are used, and the clinical context of brachytherapy source utilization. The publication also summarizes benchmarking and payer coverage patterns, relevant billing modifiers, and coding considerations that influence claim processing. Where available, benchmarks show supply-level unit pricing and common payer edits; where payer-specific detail is not provided, the text notes that input data are not available.
This resource is intended for billing professionals, revenue cycle managers, and clinical administrators seeking a national perspective on how a non-stranded brachytherapy source is represented in claims and payer communications.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code C2699 denotes a brachytherapy source, non-stranded, not otherwise specified, per source. This item represents an individual non-stranded radioactive source used in brachytherapy procedures.
Service Type: Brachytherapy source supply
Typical Site of Service: Hospital outpatient department, ambulatory surgery center, or radiation oncology clinic
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 64-year-old female with stage II endometrial carcinoma undergoes definitive brachytherapy after external beam radiation to deliver targeted high-dose radiation to the tumor bed. The radiation oncology team orders non-stranded, individual brachytherapy sources for intracavitary placement in the vaginal vault. The clinical workflow includes pre-procedure planning with imaging (CT or MRI), source ordering and inventory using C2699 billed per source, sterile preparation in the procedural suite or ambulatory surgery center, placement of applicators under sedation or anesthesia, source loading by the authorized medical physicist, treatment delivery via high-dose-rate afterloader or low-dose-rate implantation depending on isotope, treatment verification imaging, source removal if temporary, and documentation of source counts and disposition.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier | Standard reporting when no additional modifier applies |
22 | Increased procedural services | When work or complexity substantially greater than typical for source placement or handling |
52 | Reduced services | When the brachytherapy session is partially reduced or abbreviated |
53 | Discontinued procedure | When procedure is started but discontinued for patient safety |
62 | Two surgeons | When two surgeons with distinct specialties share operative responsibility for placement |
AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services allowed | When an assistant-at-surgery from a qualifying non-physician clinician is billed under applicable payor rules |
QK | Medical transcriptionist? (Note: QK/QX/QY are CRNA modifiers) | Use when a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) provides anesthesia services as defined by payor rules (QK when CRNA services furnished with medical direction by physician) |
QX | CRNA service furnished under physician supervision | Use when CRNA performs anesthesia under qualified supervision |
QY | Anesthesia provided under medical direction by an anesthesiologist | Use when anesthesiologist medically directs CRNA for anesthesia services |
SG | Registered adjuvant services (Radiation Oncology) | When specific service delivery or specialized staff involvement is reported (payor-specific use) |
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
207RC0000X | Radiation Oncology | Primary specialty managing brachytherapy planning and delivery |
208200000X | Radiation Therapist | Delivers radiation treatments and operates afterloader devices |
174400000X | Hospitalist/Interventional Radiologist | May perform image-guided applicator placement for interstitial brachytherapy |
363A00000X | Medical Physicist | Responsible for source calibration, treatment planning, and safety checks |
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
C54.1 | Malignant neoplasm of endometrium | Common gynecologic indication for vaginal or intrauterine brachytherapy sources |
C53.9 | Malignant neoplasm of cervix uteri, unspecified | Cervical cancer frequently treated with intracavitary brachytherapy using individual sources |
C61 | Malignant neoplasm of prostate | Prostate interstitial brachytherapy uses individual seeds or sources for localized disease |
C76.2 | Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of female genital organs | Complex pelvic disease sites that may require customized brachytherapy source placement |
C79.82 | Secondary malignant neoplasm of genital organs | Metastatic lesions to pelvic structures occasionally managed with targeted brachytherapy |
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
77261 | Therapeutic radiology planning; complex | Used for complex brachytherapy treatment planning associated with source placement and dose calculations |
77316 | Brachytherapy physics preparation, dosimetry and treatment instructions | Performed by the medical physicist for source ordering, calibration, and treatment setup alongside C2699 sources |
51702 | Insertion of temporary intravaginal radiation applicator | Procedure code for applicator placement often preceding source insertion when treating vaginal cuff or gynecologic sites |
76000 | Fluoroscopy (first image) during guidance | Imaging guidance used during applicator placement and source loading verification |
58300 | Insertion of uterine probe and/or packing | Commonly performed in gynecologic brachytherapy workflow to position applicators prior to source loading |