96450 Chemotherapy into cns
Also known as: Intrathecal chemo, Central nervous system chemo, Spinal chemotherapy
Administration of chemotherapy agents by intrathecal, intraventricular, or intra-central nervous system injection directly into cerebrospinal fluid. Used to treat malignancies involving the brain or spinal cord.
In Plain Language
Cancer medicine injected into the spine or brain fluid; Chemotherapy around the brain
Clinical Context
Indicated for acute leukemia prophylaxis, central nervous system lymphoma, and metastatic cancers to brain/meninges. Requires careful technique to deliver chemotherapy across blood-brain barrier.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.53 |
| Total RVU | 1.53 |
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 1.53, this code ranks in the 70th percentile among Medicine codes — 2.0x the median (0.78). The highest wRVU in this category is 23.92.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 96450?
CPT 96450 (Chemotherapy into cns) is a Medicine code. Administration of chemotherapy agents by intrathecal, intraventricular, or intra-central nervous system injection directly into cerebrospinal fluid. Used to treat malignancies involving the brain or spinal cord.
Who uses CPT code 96450?
CPT 96450 is used by Oncology, Neurology, Neuro-Oncology. Indicated for acute leukemia prophylaxis, central nervous system lymphoma, and metastatic cancers to brain/meninges. Requires careful technique to deliver chemotherapy across blood-brain barrier.
When is CPT 96450 used?
Indicated for acute leukemia prophylaxis, central nervous system lymphoma, and metastatic cancers to brain/meninges. Requires careful technique to deliver chemotherapy across blood-brain barrier.
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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.