Summary & Overview
CPT 79445: Transarterial Radioembolization with Intra-arterial Radioactive Injection
CPT code 79445 represents a transarterial radioembolization procedure in which a liquid containing radioactive particles is injected into the artery feeding a tumor to deliver localized radiation and reduce tumor blood supply. This interventional oncology service is an important option for treating certain liver and other solid organ tumors where locoregional control is sought and systemic therapy is limited or complementary. Nationally, the code is relevant to hospital outpatient and interventional radiology practice patterns and reimbursement policy discussions.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context for the procedure, typical sites of service, and benchmarks for coverage and coding practice. The publication also summarizes payer policy trends, common billing modifiers applicable to complex interventional procedures, and areas where clinical documentation supports medical necessity. This material is intended to inform coding staff, revenue cycle teams, and clinical leaders about the role of CPT code 79445 in treatment pathways and payer engagement.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 79445 describes a transarterial procedure in which a provider injects a liquid containing radioactive particles into the artery supplying blood to a tumor. The intent of the procedure is to deliver locoregional radiation while obstructing the tumor's arterial blood supply to target cancer cells.
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Service type: Interventional radiology procedure delivering intra-arterial radioembolization with embolic effect
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Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department or specialized interventional radiology suite
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 64-year-old patient with hepatocellular carcinoma localized to the right hepatic lobe is referred for transarterial radioembolization. The interventional radiology team performs pre-procedure angiography and mapping to identify hepatic arterial anatomy and extrahepatic branches, followed by administration of technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin for lung shunt fraction assessment. On the treatment day, under moderate sedation in an angiography suite, the operator gains femoral or radial arterial access, selectively catheterizes the right hepatic artery, and injects radioactive microspheres to deliver locoregional radiation and embolize tumor microvasculature. Post-procedure monitoring includes vital signs, assessment for access site complications, pain control, and outpatient follow-up with cross-sectional imaging and oncology for response assessment and systemic therapy coordination.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When reporting only the physician’s professional interpretation if technical component billed separately |
52 | Reduced services | If the procedure is partially reduced or not completed as originally intended |