Office or Outpatient Setting for Sequential IV Push Administration
CPT® code 96376 is used to report each additional intravenous (IV) push of the same medication or substance administered after the initial dose within a facility or outpatient setting. This code applies when a provider gives subsequent doses at different times to maintain therapeutic levels or continue treatment during the same encounter.
When to Use CPT® Code 96376
Report 96376 when:
- An additional IV push of the same drug is administered following a prior dose during the same encounter.
- The doses are given at least 30 minutes apart.
- The service is provided by a qualified healthcare professional in a facility setting.
- Documentation clearly reflects the time, medication, and dose of each IV push.
Do not use 96376 for the initial administration—use CPT® 96374 instead. This code should only be reported once per additional push of the same medication when clinically indicated.
Documentation Requirements
Thorough documentation is required to support the use of 96376, including:
- The medication name, dosage, and route of administration
- Exact start and stop times for each push
- The interval between the initial and subsequent doses
- Clinical rationale for the additional administration
- Provider’s signature and credentials
Accurate time tracking and chart notes are essential, as payers may require verification of medical necessity for repeated doses.
Billing Guidelines
- 96376 is an add-on code and cannot be billed alone.
- It may be used multiple times per encounter if multiple subsequent pushes occur.
- Do not report 96376 for concurrent infusions or injections
- Reimbursement is typically time-based and subject to payer review for frequency and necessity.
- Always verify payer-specific rules for sequential IV pushes, as requirements can vary.
Example
A patient receives an IV push of ondansetron for nausea, followed by an additional IV push of the same drug 45 minutes later during the same visit. The provider reports 96374 for the initial administration and 96376 for the additional sequential push, with both entries documented in the patient’s chart.
Streamline IV Administration Documentation with OptiMantra
For procedures involving multiple administrations, accuracy and timing are key. OptiMantra allows providers to record IV pushes, dosages, and intervals directly within a unified workflow. With customizable templates, time-stamped entries, and linkage to billing codes, you can ensure complete, compliant documentation for every administration—without manual data entry or missed charges.
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