2025 CPT code 96446
Chemotherapy administration into the peritoneal cavity via an implanted port or catheter.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of the service provided. Consult the CPT manual for specific modifier guidelines.
Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is medically necessary for patients with certain types of cancer, particularly those involving the peritoneal cavity, after appropriate assessment and determination by the treating physician. The procedure can deliver higher concentrations of chemotherapy to the affected area, potentially improving treatment efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects.
The physician or other qualified healthcare professional is responsible for assessing the patient, obtaining informed consent, overseeing the safety of the procedure, and providing direct or indirect supervision of the staff administering the chemotherapy.This includes selecting the appropriate chemotherapy regimen, determining the dose and frequency of administration, monitoring the patient for adverse reactions, and managing any complications that arise.
- Medicine Services and Procedures > Hydration, Therapeutic, Prophylactic, Diagnostic Injections and Infusions, and Chemotherapy and Other Highly Complex Drug or Highly Complex Biologic Agent Administration
- Chemotherapy administration codes (96401-96549)
In simple words: The doctor gives chemotherapy drugs into the patient's belly using a small, implanted tube. The medicine is injected through the tube and slowly spreads throughout the abdominal area.This avoids repeated needle sticks.
This CPT code reports the administration of chemotherapy into the peritoneal cavity (the space within the abdomen) using an implanted port or catheter.The procedure involves accessing the implanted device with a needle, injecting the chemotherapy medication, and then removing the needle after administration.The medication slowly infuses into the peritoneal cavity.Preparation of the chemotherapy agent is included and not separately reported.
Example 1: A 60-year-old female patient with ovarian cancer undergoes cytoreductive surgery followed by intraperitoneal chemotherapy using an implanted port.The physician administers the chemotherapy via the port, closely monitoring the patient for adverse reactions and making adjustments as necessary., A 55-year-old male patient with peritoneal mesothelioma receives intraperitoneal chemotherapy via an implanted port as part of his treatment plan. The physician administers the chemotherapy and monitors the patient for signs of complications, such as infection or fluid buildup in the abdomen., A 45-year-old female patient with colorectal cancer has an implanted port placed and undergoes several cycles of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The physician monitors the patient throughout treatment, adjusting the chemotherapy plan as needed based on the patient's response to treatment and potential side effects.
* Complete medical history, including prior treatments and any allergies.* Physical examination findings.* Results of imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, MRI) to confirm diagnosis and assess the extent of disease.* Documentation of the type and amount of chemotherapy administered.* Documentation of the patient's response to treatment.* Notes on any adverse reactions or complications encountered.* Consent form signed by the patient.
** This code should only be used for the administration of chemotherapy into the peritoneal cavity. For other types of chemotherapy administration, use the appropriate CPT codes.The selection of the appropriate chemotherapy regimen and dose is the responsibility of the treating physician.
- Revenue Code: O1D (CHEMOTHERAPY)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center