ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Question: Are new infusion codes 90760 and 90761 appropriate for use with ED physician billing?


Georgia Subscriber

Answer: Codes 90760 (Intravenous infusion, hydration; initial, up to one hour) and 90761 (... each additional hour, up to 8 hours [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) are appropriate for physician billing in general, according to CPT 2006. There is nothing in CPT that prohibits their use in the ED setting, if they are the codes that describe the service performed.

Be aware, however, that specific carriers may have different policies regarding these codes. Since payer policy may not cover them, you would be best off checking with your specific payer regarding its coverage policy.