96440 Chmotx admn plrl cav thrcnts
Also known as: Pleural chemotherapy, Intrapleural chemo, Thoracentesis chemo
Administration of chemotherapy agents directly into one or more pleural cavities via thoracentesis or implanted catheter. This includes drainage of accumulated fluid and instillation of chemotherapy.
In Plain Language
Cancer medicine injected into the lung cavity; Chemotherapy into chest space
Clinical Context
Used for malignant pleural effusions and primary peritoneal/pleural cancers. Common in ovarian, lung, and mesothelioma cases to deliver chemotherapy directly to affected body cavity.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.12 |
| Total RVU | 2.12 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Medicine section codes cover a wide range of non-surgical services. This code has a 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Documentation should include the clinical indication, procedure details, interpretation (if applicable), and any patient-specific findings.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 2.12, this code ranks in the 80th percentile among Medicine codes — 2.7x the median (0.78). The highest wRVU in this category is 23.92.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 96440?
CPT 96440 (Chmotx admn plrl cav thrcnts) is a Medicine code. Administration of chemotherapy agents directly into one or more pleural cavities via thoracentesis or implanted catheter. This includes drainage of accumulated fluid and instillation of chemotherapy.
Who uses CPT code 96440?
CPT 96440 is used by Oncology, Pulmonology, Thoracic Surgery. Used for malignant pleural effusions and primary peritoneal/pleural cancers. Common in ovarian, lung, and mesothelioma cases to deliver chemotherapy directly to affected body cavity.
When is CPT 96440 used?
Used for malignant pleural effusions and primary peritoneal/pleural cancers. Common in ovarian, lung, and mesothelioma cases to deliver chemotherapy directly to affected body cavity.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.