CMS has finalized a major coding overhaul for Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) effective 2026. If your dermatology practice delivers SRT for non-melanoma skin cancers, this is one of the biggest billing changes you’ll face this year. Several familiar codes are being deleted and replaced with an entirely new code set.
What’s Being Deleted
| Code | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
77401 | Radiation treatment delivery, superficial | Deleted |
0394T | HDR electronic brachytherapy, skin surface | Deleted |
G6001 | HCPCS radiation treatment delivery | Deleted |
Any claims submitted with CPT 77401, 0394T, or HCPCS G6001 after January 1, 2026 will be automatically denied as invalid codes. Update your systems immediately.
What’s Replacing Them
CMS introduced four new CPT codes that collectively cover the full SRT workflow:
- Planning/simulation — new code for treatment planning
- Treatment delivery — new code replacing 77401
- Physics consultation — updated code structure
- Treatment management — new code for ongoing clinical management
Reimbursement Impact
CMS adopted a new valuation method for SRT based on OPPS Ambulatory Payment Classifications (APCs). Early analysis suggests this may increase reimbursement for SRT treatment delivery compared to the old 77401 rates. However, the unbundled code structure means you need to bill each component separately.
What Your Practice Needs to Do
- Remove deleted codes from all templates, superbills, and charge capture tools
- Add the four new SRT codes to your billing system
- Update documentation templates to capture data required by each new code
- Recalculate SRT profitability under the new code structure
- Train providers and billers on the unbundled workflow
Key Takeaways
- CPT 77401, 0394T, and G6001 are all deleted effective January 1, 2026
- Four new CPT codes replace them, covering planning, delivery, physics, and management
- New OPPS-based valuation may increase SRT reimbursement
- Each workflow component must be billed separately under the new structure
- Update all systems and train staff before January to avoid denials