CPT® Code 96570

Add-On Code

Photodynamic therapy by endoscopic application of light to ablate abnormal tissue via activation of photosensitive drug(s); first 30 minutes (List separately in addition to code for endoscopy or bronchoscopy procedures of lung and gastrointestinal tract)

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment that utilizes a combination of a light-sensitive drug and light exposure to target and destroy abnormal tissue, particularly in the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. The process begins with the administration of a photosensitive drug, such as Photofrin, which is delivered intravenously approximately 48 hours before the procedure. This drug is absorbed by various tissues in the body, including cancerous or abnormal cells. Following this preparation, a separate endoscopic procedure, such as gastrointestinal endoscopy or bronchoscopy, is performed. During this procedure, a low-intensity laser is applied to the affected area, where the photosensitive drug has accumulated. The interaction between the light and the drug triggers a reaction that leads to the destruction of the abnormal tissue. The CPT® Code 96570 specifically refers to the first 30 minutes of this photodynamic therapy, which is reported separately in addition to the codes for the endoscopic or bronchoscopy procedures being performed. For any additional time spent on PDT beyond the initial 30 minutes, CPT® Code 96571 should be used, which accounts for each additional 15-minute increment of therapy.