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CPT® Code 96446 refers to the administration of chemotherapy directly into the peritoneal cavity through an implanted port or catheter. This method, known as intraperitoneal chemotherapy, is specifically designed to treat malignancies that either originate in the peritoneum or have metastasized to this area from other sites in the body. The peritoneum is a serous membrane that consists of mesothelial cells and is characterized by a rich network of blood vessels and lymphatic capillaries, which facilitates the absorption and distribution of therapeutic agents. The use of an implanted port or catheter allows for the direct delivery of chemotherapeutic or anti-neoplastic agents to the affected tissues, thereby increasing the concentration of the drug at the site of the tumor and potentially enhancing its effectiveness. Prior to this procedure, the port or catheter must have been placed during a separate, reportable procedure. During the administration of the chemotherapy, the patient is typically positioned supine with the head of the bed slightly elevated to optimize the infusion process. After the infusion is completed, the patient is repositioned from side to side every 15 minutes for a duration of one hour to ensure that the chemotherapeutic agent is evenly distributed throughout the peritoneal cavity, maximizing its therapeutic impact on the malignant tissues.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 96446 is indicated for the treatment of specific malignancies affecting the peritoneum. These indications include:
The procedure for administering chemotherapy via CPT® Code 96446 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment. These steps include:
Following the administration of chemotherapy via CPT® Code 96446, patients may require monitoring for any immediate adverse reactions to the treatment. It is essential to observe the patient for signs of complications, such as infection or adverse drug reactions. Additionally, patients may be provided with specific post-procedure care instructions, which could include guidelines on activity levels, hydration, and signs of potential complications that should prompt immediate medical attention. The overall recovery process may vary based on the individual patient's health status and the specific chemotherapeutic agents used.
| Short Descr | CHEMOTX ADMN PERTL CAV IMPL | Medium Descr | CHEMOTX ADMN PERTL CAVITY IMPLANTED PORT/CATH | Long Descr | Chemotherapy administration into the peritoneal cavity via implanted port or catheter | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 5 - Incident To Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple | Type of Service (TOS) | 1 - Medical Care | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P7B - Oncology - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 224 - Cancer chemotherapy |
| 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2024-01-01 | Changed | Short, Medium, and Long Descriptions changed. Guideline added. |
| 2011-01-01 | Added | Added |
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