Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Radiation Treatment Delivery
• Technical Term: HCPCS Code G6013 Radiation Treatment Delivery

Summary

This procedure involves delivering targeted radiation to cancerous areas in the body. It is specifically used when treating three or more distinct areas, and may incorporate custom blocking, tangential ports, wedges, rotational beams, compensators, and electron beams (measuring 11-19 MeV), to ensure precise treatment.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: Primarily addresses various types of cancer.
• Goals: To destroy or shrink cancerous tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Presence of cancer requiring radiation therapy, especially when multiple areas need treatment.
• Patient Criteria: Suitable for patients with specific types of cancer that have been identified as responsive to high-energy radiation therapy.

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions: Patients may need to fast for several hours before the procedure. Medication adjustments might be required.
• Diagnostic Tests: Imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to map out the treatment areas.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Set-Up:
   • Patient positioned on a specialized treatment table.
   • Custom immobilization devices may be used to keep the patient still.
2. Treatment Planning:
   • Custom blocking to shield healthy tissue.
   • Configuration of tangential ports, wedges, rotational beams, compensators, and electron beams.
3. Delivery:
   • Radiation delivered via a machine called a linear accelerator.
   • Technicians monitor the patient from a control room.
   • Each session lasts a few minutes, but set-up can take longer.
4. Completion:
   • Patient carefully repositioned and monitored for immediate side effects.

Duration

Each session typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, though actual radiation exposure time is brief. The full course of treatment could span several weeks with multiple sessions.

Setting

Performed in specialized radiation therapy departments within hospitals or outpatient clinics.

Personnel

• Radiation Oncologists
• Medical Physicists
• Dosimetrists
• Radiation Therapists
• Nurses

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Skin irritation, fatigue, nausea, localized hair loss.
• Rare Risks: Severe tissue damage, secondary cancers.
• Management: Regular monitoring and supportive care to mitigate side effects.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Reduction or eradication of tumor size, potential complete cancer cure depending on type and stage.
• Timeline: Benefits may be observed over weeks to months post-treatment.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress.
• Recovery Time: Varies; complete recovery could take several weeks to months.
• Restrictions: Avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities initially; specific guidelines provided by healthcare team.

Alternatives

• Other Treatments: Chemotherapy, surgery, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy.
• Pros and Cons: Each alternative carries its own risks and benefits; radiation is often less invasive but may be combined with other treatments for best outcomes.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Patient may feel tired but usually does not experience pain during radiation delivery.
• After Procedure: Possible fatigue and localized skin issues; pain usually managed with medications and proper care. Regular encouragement and reassessment to ensure comfort.