Summary & Overview
CPT 96420: Intra-arterial Chemotherapy Push Administration
CPT code 96420 denotes intra-arterial push administration of a chemotherapy agent, a targeted delivery technique used to direct cytotoxic therapy into the arterial supply of a tumor or organ. Nationally, the code is important for billing oncology and interventional radiology services where intra-arterial chemotherapy is employed for locoregional treatment strategies.
Key payers in the national landscape include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context for intra-arterial push administration, payment and coding considerations relevant to major payers, and benchmarking where available. The publication summarizes common modifiers associated with procedural billing, typical sites of service, and operational implications for facilities that perform intra-arterial chemotherapy.
This summary provides clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts with the clinical definition of the service, a payer-focused view of coverage and coding practices, and guidance on what to expect in terms of documentation and claim reporting. Data not available in the input are explicitly noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 96420 describes administration of a chemotherapy agent via an intra–arterial push technique. This procedure involves direct arterial access and rapid bolus delivery of a cytotoxic or biologic agent into the arterial supply of a target organ or tumor.
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Service type: Intra-arterial chemotherapy administration (push/bolus)
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Typical site of service: Hospital or outpatient infusion center with interventional radiology or oncology procedural capability
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 64-year-old patient with unresectable hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma is scheduled for intra-arterial chemotherapy administration. The interventional oncology team performs arterial catheterization (commonly via the femoral or radial artery) to selectively access the hepatic artery. After fluoroscopic confirmation of catheter position, the oncologic provider administers a bolus push of a chemotherapeutic agent directly into the target artery using a syringe push technique. The procedure is typically performed in an interventional radiology or hybrid operating room with fluoroscopic imaging, continuous hemodynamic monitoring, and availability of resuscitation equipment. Pre-procedure steps include verification of indication, informed consent, review of coagulation status, and vascular access site preparation. Post-procedure workflow includes hemostasis of the arterial puncture site, monitoring for access-site bleeding or contrast-related reactions, and documentation of the intra-arterial push technique, drug name, dose, route, and any immediate complications.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the physician's interpretation/management portion if technical component billed separately. |
51 |