96374

Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection (specify substance or drug); intravenous push, single or initial substance/drug

CPT code 96374 describes the administration of a therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic substance or drug via an intravenous (IV) push method. An IV push involves the rapid injection of medication directly into a vein or an existing IV line over a short period (typically less than 15 minutes, often 1-5 minutes). This code is used for the *single or initial* substance or drug administered by this method during an encounter. It covers the clinical staff time and effort associated with the preparation, administration, and immediate post-administration observation of the patient.

Clinical Indications

  • Rapid delivery of medication when a fast therapeutic effect is required (e.g., acute pain, nausea, allergic reaction, seizure management).
  • Administration of drugs that cannot be diluted or are unstable in large volumes of fluid.
  • Delivery of medications requiring precise dosing or titration over a short period.
  • Prophylactic administration of medications (e.g., antibiotics before surgery).
  • Diagnostic administration of contrast agents or other substances for imaging studies.
  • Treatment of acute conditions such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or hypoglycemia when a rapid bolus is indicated.
  • Administration of rescue medications in critical care settings.
  • Intermittent administration of certain antibiotics or other drugs in patients with existing IV access.

Procedure Steps

  1. Patient identification and verification of order.
  2. Assessment of patient's current condition and vital signs.
  3. Preparation of medication (e.g., drawing up drug, ensuring correct dose and concentration).
  4. Selection and preparation of IV access site (if new insertion required, code separately).
  5. Disinfection of injection port or skin.
  6. Slow and steady administration of the medication over the specified push duration.
  7. Flushing of the IV line (before and/or after administration, if applicable).
  8. Monitoring of patient for immediate adverse reactions or therapeutic effect.
  9. Documentation of the procedure, including drug, dose, route, site, time, and patient response.

Coding Guidelines

  • Code 96374 is used for the *first* or *only* intravenous push administered during an encounter, regardless of the number of drugs in that single push.
  • If multiple *distinct* substances or drugs are administered via separate intravenous pushes during the same encounter, use 96374 for the initial substance and 96375 for each subsequent distinct substance/drug.
  • This code does not include the cost of the substance or drug itself, which should be billed separately using appropriate HCPCS Level II codes (e.g., J-codes).
  • This code should not be reported if the IV push is incidental to another procedure (e.g., administration of local anesthetic for a minor procedure).
  • If an IV infusion (e.g., 96365-96368) is already in progress and an IV push is given through the same IV line, both codes may be reported if the IV push represents a distinct administration of a different substance or a significant change in administration method.
  • Do not report 96374 for substances administered via intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intra-arterial routes; use appropriate codes (e.g., 96372 for therapeutic subcutaneous/intramuscular injection).
  • Documentation must clearly specify the substance/drug, dose, route of administration, site, and reason for the injection.
  • This code represents a direct service and typically includes pre-service work, administration, and immediate post-service work directly related to the push administration.

Associated ICD-10 Codes