CPT Administration Code: 96450 | Chemotherapy Administration

Code Overview

CPT® administration code details for 96450.

CPT Code Descriptor Chemotherapy administration, into CNS (eg, intrathecal), requiring and including spinal puncture

Code Category Chemotherapy Administration

Route / Technique Intrathecal Injection

Code Type Initial / Primary Code

About Chemotherapy Administration – 96450

CPT 96450 describes the administration of chemotherapy or other antineoplastic substances by intrathecal injection, typically delivered into the cerebrospinal fluid via lumbar puncture or an implanted intrathecal access device. It is reported once per session regardless of the number of agents injected during that single intrathecal administration encounter. This code is reported by the physician or qualified provider performing the injection.

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96450 RVU Breakdown & Medicare Reimbursement

Based on the CY 2026 CMS Physician Fee Schedule. National payment amounts, before geographic (GPCI) adjustment.

Component	Facility	Non-Facility
Work RVU — physician work	1.53	1.53
Practice Expense RVU — staff, supplies, equipment	0.32	3.15
Malpractice RVU — professional liability	0.14	0.14
Total RVUs	1.99	4.82
Medicare Payment — Total RVUs × $33.4009 CF	$66.47	$160.99

CY 2026 Medicare Conversion Factor: $33.4009.

96450 Locality-Adjusted Rates

Medicare payment varies by locality via GPCI adjustment. Log in to view rates for all 100+ Medicare localities.

Medicare Locality	Facility	Non-Facility
National (unadjusted)	$66.47	$160.99
Los Angeles–Long Beach, CA
Manhattan, NY
Houston, TX
Miami, FL

Drugs Commonly Billed with 96450

HCPCS-coded drugs frequently administered under this CPT code. The list below is not exhaustive.

HCPCS Code	Drug	HCPCS Descriptor
J3405	Itvisma	Injection, onasemnogene abeparvovec-brve, per treatment
J2278	PRIALT	Injection, ziconotide, 1 microgram
J1304	QALSODY	Injection, tofersen, 1 mg
J7352	SCENESSE	Afamelanotide implant, 1 mg
J2326	SPINRAZA	Injection, nusinersen, 0.1 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What are CPT Administration Codes?

CPT administration codes cover the work of giving a drug to a patient, such as an injection or an infusion. The drug itself is billed with its HCPCS J-code, and the administration is billed with a CPT code. Both go on the same claim. Learn More →

What is the Medicare Conversion Factor?

The conversion factor is the dollar amount CMS uses to turn a code's total RVUs into a Medicare payment. This page uses the CY 2026 conversion factor of $33.4009. CMS updates it every year in the Physician Fee Schedule final rule.

Facility vs. Non-Facility?

The non-facility rate applies in a physician office, where the practice pays for its own staff, supplies, and equipment, so the rate is usually higher. The facility rate applies in hospital outpatient departments and ASCs, where the facility bills for those costs separately.

How do I decide which administration code to use?

Pick the code that matches the type of drug, the route, and how long the administration takes. Start from the highest-ranking service you performed, then add the appropriate add-on codes for extra time or extra drugs. Manufacturer billing and coding guides often list suggested administration codes.

About BuyandBill.com:

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CPT Administration Code: 96450 – Chemotherapy Administration