issue 13
The Beamlet
In this issue:
- TomoExchange™: Your link to Tomo® users around the world
- New Marketing Resources kit now available
- RCI answers common coding and reimbursement questions
TomoExchange: Open for discussion
Last week, we uncovered an issue with the TomoExchange mail server that resulted in forum postings not being delivered as e-mails. This issue has now been resolved, and we encourage you to log on* and check the Forum to see what you may have missed.
Beyond this glitch, the TomoExchange is gaining momentum as a collaborative resource for TomoTherapy® Hi·Art® treatment system users. In recent months, activity and dialogue have picked up considerably, with clinicians and administrators around the world posing questions, sharing tips and defining best practices on a range of topics.
Soon you’ll see a new feature added: on-demand, multimedia webcasts of presentations from the 3rd Annual IG/IMRT TomoTherapy Symposium held last week in Tampa. Look for an announcement soon.
*If you have forgotten your TomoExchange password:
- Go to tomoexchange.tomotherapy.com
- Click "Forgot your password?"
- Enter your e-mail address on the "Forgot your password" page, then click “Mail password info”
- Instructions for setting a new password will be sent to your e-mail. Click on the link in the e-mail message and follow the instructions.
Please note: The TomoExchange is designed to facilitate communication and collaboration between Hi·Art treatment system users, and is available to customers of TomoTherapy Inc. after contract signing. If you do not yet have a TomoExchange account, contact your TomoTherapy representative for information on how to register.
Marketing Resources kit: Spread the word
All TomoTherapy treatment center partners will soon receive a package from us (if you haven’t already). In it you’ll find a few of our new Marketing Resources kits for distribution within your facility.
Designed to help customers communicate the benefits of TomoTherapy technology, each kit includes:
- Sample printed brochures for referring physician and patient audiences
- A resource CD with advertising and brochure source files, a complete image library for use in developing your own materials, an animation of the TomoTherapy treatment process, a preview of available background (“B-Roll”) video, a press release template announcing installation and more
Referring physician brochures with focus on
prostate, breast, lung and head & neck cancers
The Marketing Resource kit also has two critical online components:
- A registration page where you can sign up to be notified of kit updates
- An online ordering system where printed materials and background video (in BetaSP format) can be ordered directly from Suttle-Straus, our printing/fulfillment partner
We trust you’ll find this kit useful, and look forward to your feedback once you’ve had an opportunity to review contents. (If you have any questions or comments, or would like to learn more, contact Patty Kitowski, Marketing Communications Manager.)
FAQs from RCI
In January, we engaged Revenue Cycle Inc. (RCI) to provide reimbursement, coding and documentation support for U.S.-based Tomo users. Here are the 3 most common questions they’ve been asked thus far, along with the answers from RCI.*
- Is it possible to bill daily for the 77014 CT Guidance when treating on our TomoTherapy Hi·Art treatment system?
Absolutely, the utilization of the CT for acquiring images in order to ensure proper patient positioning for treatment is billable on a daily basis as long as the procedure has been ordered, is performed and documented appropriately. The technical as well as the professional component of this CPT code is billable when documented. - A patient was treated with IMRT, but the insurance company refused to pay. Is this an issue specific to TomoTherapy treatments?
No, this is not specific to TomoTherapy treatments. It’s an issue that affects many newer medical technologies and, subsequently, health care providers throughout the country. Certain Medicare Carriers, Fiscal Intermediaries and private insurance companies have a list of approved diagnosis codes for IMRT. Typically the list is available for review. (If not, performing a pre-authorization for treatment should enlighten the facility to any non-coverage issues.) However, just because the diagnosis is not on the list doesn’t mean that the patient cannot be treated and, upon denial, appeal to attempt to procure payment. - Are there any special documentation requirements for TomoTherapy treatments?
It is vital that all physicians document the medical necessity for IMRT treatments. There are a number of LCD/LMRPs (Local Coverage Determination/Local Medical Review Policy) that provide information regarding requirements and medical necessity issues that must be addressed in order to perform IMRT rather than treatment with conventional radiation therapy. Following is an excerpt from one LCD:
“IMRT is not considered to be a replacement for conventional radiation therapy. There must be documented justification for the use of IMRT versus other treatment modalities in the medical record of each patient for whom IMRT is used. IMRT may be considered to be reasonable and necessary in instances where sparing the surrounding normal tissue is essential.”
More questions? TomoTherapy treatment center partners can contact RCI directly, by phone at +1 512 583 2000 or by e-mail: .
Need more information? RCI is a full-service consulting, billing and development company that specializes in oncology. Their services cover hospital-based and free-standing facilities, and are available upon the purchase of a TomoTherapy Hi·Art treatment system. For more details, visit revenuecycleinc.com, contact us by e-mail or download a PDF on RCI’s services.
* All answers to the above FAQs were provided by RCI. Neither TomoTherapy Incorporated nor any of its employees shall be responsible for the accuracy of these answers. The user of this information is solely responsible for verifying its accuracy and applicability.
