CPT® Code 96446

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.