CPT Code 96365: Initial IV Infusion, Up to 1 Hour (Non-Chemo)

No, you should not bill CPT code 96365 for IV hydration. CPT 96365 is used for the initial intravenous infusion of a medication or substance for therapy, prophylaxis, or diagnosis, not for hydration. For IV hydration, the appropriate codes are 96360 (initial hydration, 31 minutes to 1 hour) and 96361 (each additional hour of hydration).

If the IV hydration infusion lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes), you should bill CPT code 96360 for the initial 31 minutes to 1 hour, and CPT code 96361 for the additional 15 minutes beyond the first hour. The add-on code 96361 is used for each additional hour, but it can be reported when the additional time is greater than 30 minutes past the initial hour.

The main difference between CPT codes 96365 and 96374 is the method and duration of administration. CPT 96365 is used for the initial intravenous infusion of a medication or substance for therapy, prophylaxis, or diagnosis, lasting more than 15 minutes and up to 1 hour. In contrast, CPT 96374 is used for a single or initial intravenous push (injection) of a therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic drug, typically administered in 15 minutes or less.