IV hydration, each additional hour (CPT 96361): what Medicare pays
On a hospital bill, CPT 96361 is the code for: Infusion into a vein for hydration, each additional hour. Here is what Medicare pays for it, what is billed on average, and how to question the line on your bill.
CPT 96361 at a glance
| Medicare average allowed amount | $12.35 |
|---|---|
| Average amount billed to Medicare | $73.00 |
| Billed vs. allowed | 5.9 times |
| Services in the data | 322,476 |
| Setting and year | Office or clinic, national average, 2024 |
What this code is
This code is for giving a medicine or fluids by injection or through an IV, not for the medicine itself.
Why your hospital bill can show more
Medicare pays a national amount for each code. Hospitals set their own list prices, called the chargemaster, so a hospital bill can show a much higher amount for the same code. In a hospital or an emergency room, a separate facility charge is often added. Medicare's amount is not a price the hospital must accept, but it is a fair reference to negotiate.
Common billing problems with CPT 96361
Time and count
This code is billed for each additional drug or each additional hour. Ask for the start and stop times, and check that the number of lines matches.
A separate facility charge
In a hospital, the facility usually bills its own line for the room and staff, and the doctor can bill separately. Ask the hospital to list each part.
No code on the line
If your bill shows a total without codes, ask for a fully itemized bill. Without codes, nobody can check the charges.
How to question this charge
- Ask the hospital for a fully itemized bill, with the code, date, quantity and price of every line.
- Compare the line with the Medicare amount above.
- Ask in writing for a fair price, the lowest amount they will accept, and any discount for paying in full or for patients without insurance.
- Ask for the hospital's financial assistance policy.
BillCheck reads a photo of your bill on your phone, compares every line and writes the letter. Check my bill.
Related codes
- CPT 96360: IV hydration, first hour
- CPT 96374: IV push, first drug
- CPT 96375: IV push, each additional drug
- CPT 96365: IV infusion, first hour
- CPT 96366: IV infusion, each additional hour
- CPT 96372: Injection into a muscle or under the skin
Frequently asked questions
How much does CPT 96361 cost?
It depends on where it is done. In 2024, Medicare's average allowed amount for CPT 96361 in an office setting was $12.35, and providers billed Medicare $73.00 on average. Hospitals can bill more. If you have no insurance, ask for the self-pay price before you pay.
Can a bill show two initial injections?
Medicare coding rules allow one initial injection or infusion per visit unless two separate IV sites were needed. Ask which applies.
What is the difference between CPT 96361 and CPT 96360?
CPT 96361 is IV hydration, each additional hour. CPT 96360 is IV hydration, first hour. Medicare's average allowed amounts were $12.35 and $31.69 in 2024.
How do I question this charge?
Ask for an itemized bill, compare the line with the Medicare amount, then ask in writing for a fair price and for financial assistance. BillCheck writes the letter for you.