2025 CPT code 96361
Intravenous infusion, hydration; each additional hour (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).
Modifiers may be applicable in certain circumstances. For example, modifier 59 may be used to indicate a distinct procedural service if 96361 is performed at a separate encounter or through a different access site than the initial service.
Medical necessity for hydration must be supported by documentation of the patient's clinical condition indicating a need for intravenous fluids, such as dehydration due to illness, fluid loss, or inability to take fluids orally.
The physician or other qualified healthcare professional is responsible for evaluating the patient's hydration status, determining the need for intravenous hydration, ordering the appropriate fluids and electrolytes, supervising the administration of the infusion, and monitoring the patient's response.
In simple words: This code covers the additional hours of IV fluids given for hydration, after the first hour. It's specifically for fluids and electrolytes to treat dehydration, not for medications or other substances given through an IV.Each hour after the first hour is billed separately.It wouldn't be used if the IV fluids were just to keep the vein open or for use alongside other treatments like chemotherapy.
This code is used to report each additional hour of intravenous hydration infusion, following the initial hour reported with code 96360.It is used for hydration with pre-packaged fluids and electrolytes (e.g., normal saline, D5-1/2 normal saline + 30mEq KCl/liter) and should not be used for infusions of drugs or other substances where the fluid is incidental to drug administration. Each additional hour beyond the initial 31-60 minutes is reported separately with this code when hydration is required for longer durations.This code is not used when the IV fluid's purpose is to keep the IV line open, or as a free-flowing IV during other therapies.
Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency room with severe dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. After the initial hour of IV hydration (96360), the patient requires an additional two hours of hydration to restore fluid balance. Code 96361 would be reported twice., A patient with a chronic illness requires ongoing hydration management at home. They receive IV hydration for three hours.96360 is reported for the first hour, and 96361 is reported twice for the subsequent two hours., A patient receives preoperative hydration for two hours prior to a surgical procedure. 96360 is reported once for the initial hour, and 96361 is reported once for the additional hour.
Documentation should include the reason for hydration, the type and amount of fluids administered, the start and stop times of the infusion, the patient's response to treatment, and any complications encountered.
- Global Days: Not applicable. Global days do not apply to hydration infusions.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Office, Home, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Skilled Nursing Facility, Nursing Facility, Hospice, Other Place of Service, Patient's Home for telehealth services.