CPT Code 96361: Hydration Infusion, Add-On, Each Additional Hour

CPT 96361 is used to report IV hydration services when intravenous infusion hydration continues beyond the initial hour. It must always follow an initial service code, such as 96360, which serves as the code for the primary procedure. Ensure the documentation supports this additional time to report infusion accurately.

No. Chemotherapy infusion has its own distinct set of infusion codes and requires separate billing. CPT 96361 is specific to hydration infusion and cannot be substituted for therapeutic or chemotherapeutic infusions, even in patients with elevated BUN, creatinine, or glucose levels.

You may report IV infusion services, such as 96361, for multiple infusions, but only if each infusion meets the required criteria. When hydration is provided through the same IV line as an IV push or a concurrent infusion, ensure separate indications and documentation are in place to bill each correctly. Only one initial hydration service can be reported, unless a new, medically necessary injection is administered.