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Please note this question was answered in 2010. The coding advice may or may not be outdated.

Date: Feb 25, 2010

Question:

Dr. Z, Please help clarify an issue we are having with IV hydration in conjunction with CT scans, general x-ray exams involving contrast and angiograms. Is it ever appropriate to separately charge for the hydration (96360) in addition to one of the exams listed above and if so under what circumstance is it justified as a separate and distinct procedure? We have two opinions, one being that we are treating the patient with IV hydration for a medical condition (dehydration, renal disease etc) and the other being this is bundled into the procedure and not medically necessary regardless. Not all patients receive IV hydration prior to their exam. Thank you!

Question ID : 2123
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