Question:

What distinguishes the administration of fluids reported with codes 96360 and 96361 from therapeutic, diagnostic, and prophylactic drug administration, and what level of patient risk is typically associated with hydration therapy?

Answer:

codes 96360 and 96361 represent the administration of a prepackaged fluid or pre-packaged electrolyte solution for therapeutic purposes. The reduced risk associated with the handling, infusing, or disposing of the hydrating fluids differentiates this service from therapeutic, diagnostic, and prophylactic drug administration. According to the AMA, administration of fluids for hydration therapy does not typically require advanced practice training and involves minimal patient risk or monitoring.

This question was answered in our Coding Essentials for Infusion & Injection Therapy Services. For more hot topics relating to infusion services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.

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