Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: What code should I report for intra-peritoneal chemo infusions? We don't perform drainage, so I-m guessing we can't report 96445 (Chemotherapy administration into peritoneal cavity, requiring and including peritoneocentesis).


Missouri Subscriber

Answer: The codes will depend on your exact documentation, but 96445 may still be appropriate for the services you describe.

Although your medical dictionary probably says that -peritoneocentesis- involves tapping the fluid-filled peritoneal cavity and withdrawing fluid, payers typically consider the code appropriate when a single physician inserts the catheter and infuses the medication.

If another physician performs the catheter placement, 96445-52 (Reduced services) describes the drug infusion your oncologist performs. Or if the oncologist simply uses an existing peritoneal port to infuse the medication, you should also report 96445-52.