Summary & Overview
CPT 96446: Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy via Implanted Port
CPT code 96446 denotes the administration of chemotherapy into the peritoneal cavity using an implanted port or catheter. As a specialized locoregional oncology service, it captures procedures where cytotoxic or targeted agents are delivered directly into the abdomen, typically for peritoneal carcinomatosis or other intra-abdominal malignancies. This code matters nationally because it reflects a high-acuity, facility-based infusion procedure with implications for clinical workflow, device utilization, and payer coverage policies.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context, where the service is typically performed, and which payers commonly adjudicate claims for this service. The publication provides benchmark-oriented content: how the service is classified, common billing modifiers, and typical sites of care. It also highlights policy and billing considerations relevant to hospitals and ambulatory infusion centers that provide intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
The report is intended for billing managers, oncology clinical leaders, and policy analysts seeking a clear reference on CPT code 96446, including operational context and the payer landscape. Data not available in the input is clearly noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 96446 describes the administration of a chemotherapy agent directly into the patient’s peritoneal cavity via an implanted port or catheter. This service involves delivery of intraperitoneal chemotherapy and is a form of locoregional cancer therapy.
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Service type: Intraperitoneal chemotherapy administration
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory infusion center, hospital outpatient department, or other facility capable of supporting implanted port or catheter access for intraperitoneal drug delivery
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old female with recurrent ovarian carcinoma presents for intraperitoneal chemotherapy via an implanted peritoneal port. The patient arrives to the outpatient oncology infusion suite; pre-procedure vitals and labs (including CBC and basic metabolic panel) are reviewed to confirm adequate counts and renal function. The implanted peritoneal port site and catheter are assessed for signs of infection or malfunction. The oncology nurse performs sterile preparation and accesses the port with a non-coring needle; the oncologist or advanced practice provider then instills the prescribed chemotherapeutic agent into the peritoneal cavity through the implanted port under sterile technique. The patient remains on the infusion table for observation for immediate adverse reactions and is discharged with post-treatment instructions. Typical billing uses CPT 96446 for administration of chemotherapy into the peritoneal cavity using an implanted port or catheter, furnished in an outpatient infusion center, ambulatory surgical center, or hospital outpatient department depending on the site of service.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When billing only the physician's professional service separate from technical components of the infusion facility |