Summary & Overview
HCPCS G6002: Stereoscopic X‑Ray Guidance for Radiation Therapy Localization
HCPCS Level II code G6002 represents stereoscopic x-ray guidance used to localize a target volume for the delivery of radiation therapy. This imaging service supports accurate targeting during simulation or treatment setup and is important for ensuring radiation is delivered to the intended anatomic site while sparing adjacent healthy tissue. Nationally, precise localization is a key component of modern radiation oncology workflows and influences treatment accuracy and safety.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of how G6002 is defined clinically and operationally, summary benchmarks where available, common billing considerations, and relevant policy or coverage themes that affect use of stereoscopic x-ray guidance. The publication also outlines typical service settings and the clinical context for applying this imaging guidance during radiation therapy.
What readers will learn: a concise clinical description of the service coded by G6002, the primary payer landscape nationally, typical sites of service, and the policy and billing topics that commonly surround the use of stereoscopic x-ray guidance for radiation therapy. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code G6002 describes stereoscopic x-ray guidance for localization of target volume for the delivery of radiation therapy. This service involves imaging to precisely localize the treatment target in preparation for or during radiation therapy delivery. The service type is image-guided localization for radiation therapy. The typical site of service is hospital outpatient departments or freestanding radiation oncology clinics that provide radiation therapy.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 64-year-old patient with a newly diagnosed left parotid gland squamous cell carcinoma is scheduled for external beam radiation therapy. Prior to treatment planning, the radiation oncology team performs stereoscopic x-ray localization to precisely define the target volume and confirm daily patient setup using implanted fiducial markers and external immobilization devices. The workflow includes patient registration, placement and verification of immobilization (thermoplastic mask), acquisition of stereoscopic kV radiographs in two oblique angles, comparison to reference digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) from the CT-based treatment plan, and application of table shifts or couch corrections to align the target within tolerance before each fraction. Documentation includes the imaging performed, comparisons to reference images, measured shifts, any repeat imaging, and the operator and interpreting physician. This service is billed when stereoscopic x-ray guidance is used specifically to localize the target volume for delivery of radiation therapy and can be provided in the radiation oncology department, affiliated outpatient imaging suite, or hospital-based radiotherapy center.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the physician interpretation component of the stereoscopic imaging separate from technical equipment use. |