2025 CPT code 90676
Effective Date: N/A Medicine Services and Procedures > Vaccines, Toxoids Feed
Rabies vaccine, for intradermal use
Medical necessity for rabies vaccination is determined by the risk of exposure to the rabies virus. Pre-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for individuals at high risk of exposure, such as veterinarians, animal handlers, and laboratory workers. Post-exposure prophylaxis is medically necessary for individuals who have been bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of having rabies.Travel to areas where rabies is endemic may also necessitate pre-exposure prophylaxis.
The provider discusses the risks and benefits of the vaccine with the patient or guardian. After preparing the patient, the vaccine is administered intradermally, usually in the forearm. For young children, the injection may be given in the upper leg. The dosage and schedule depend on the patient's age, previous rabies vaccinations, and whether the vaccination is for pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis.
In simple words: A small dose of rabies vaccine is injected between layers of the skin to protect against rabies infection.This method uses less medicine than a typical injection into the muscle.
This code represents the administration of a rabies vaccine via the intradermal route.It is used for both pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis. The dosage is typically 0.1 mL.
Example 1: A veterinarian receives pre-exposure prophylaxis with intradermal rabies vaccine., A child is bitten by a stray dog and receives post-exposure prophylaxis with intradermal rabies vaccine., A traveler to a rabies-endemic area receives pre-exposure prophylaxis with intradermal rabies vaccine.
Documentation should include the type of rabies vaccine administered, the dosage, the route of administration (intradermal), the site of injection, and whether the vaccination was for pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis. The reason for administering the vaccine (e.g., animal bite, travel to rabies-endemic area, high-risk occupation) should also be documented.
** The intradermal route of administration uses a smaller volume of vaccine than the intramuscular route, making it more cost-effective. The intradermal route may not be appropriate for all individuals, particularly those who are immunocompromised. This should be given only by trained personnel and confirmation that an intradermal papule appears after the administration is important for confirming the delivery of the vaccine into the dermis.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Travel Medicine, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Travel clinic, Public Health clinic