2025 CPT code 96360
Intravenous infusion, hydration; initial, 31 minutes to 1 hour
Modifier 76 is used for each additional infusion of the same substance or drug. Modifier 59 is used when the initial and second infusion do not each last more than 31 minutes.
Medical necessity for hydration is established by documenting the clinical indication for the need for intravenous fluids (e.g. dehydration).
In simple words: This code covers giving fluids and electrolytes through a vein for 31 minutes to an hour to treat dehydration.
This code represents the initial intravenous hydration infusion for a duration of 31 minutes to one hour. It includes the administration of pre-packaged fluids and electrolytes, but not drugs or other substances.This is typically used in the outpatient setting and is not reported by physicians in facility settings.
Example 1: A patient presents to the clinic with dehydration due to vomiting. They receive one hour of intravenous hydration and are discharged home in stable condition. Report 96360., A patient with dehydration is admitted to observation and requires IV hydration. The patient receives hydration from 11 PM to 2 AM. Report 96360 once and 96361 twice., A patient receives IV fluids before a one-hour chemotherapy infusion and after. Both hydration infusions last 45 minutes. The hydration infusions are reported separately with 96360.
Documentation should include start and stop times of the infusion, type of fluid administered, and the reason for hydration.
** Code 96361 should be used for each additional hour of hydration, listed separately in addition to 96360.
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Urgent Care Facility, Home