CPT 96368 Explained: Concurrent Infusion Coding Made Simple

CPT® 96368 Explained (Concurrent Infusion) is one of the most commonly misunderstood infusion codes—and one of the easiest to get wrong. Many denials, audits, and payer takebacks stem from reporting 96368 when the infusion was actually sequential, not concurrent.

If you’ve ever asked:

• What does “concurrent” really mean?

• When can I bill CPT 96368?

• Why does this code get denied so often?

This guide breaks it down in plain language, with real-world coding clarity.

What Is CPT 96368?

CPT 96368 is reported for a concurrent intravenous infusion.

A concurrent infusion occurs when:

Two infusions are running at the same time through the same IV line or the same IV access site.

This phrase drives correct coding:Same time. Same line.

CPT 96368 Code Description

96368 – Concurrent infusion (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Important points:

• It is an add-on code

• It is never billed alone

• It must be reported in addition to an initial infusion code

One Initial Infusion Rule (Critical)

Before billing CPT 96368, you must understand this foundational rule:

Only ONE initial infusion code may be reported per encounter.

That initial infusion is typically:

• 96365 – Initial infusion, first hour

  
  

All other infusion services whether sequential or concurrent are coded in addition to the initial service.Coding Multiple IV Infusions: Sequence Matters

Let’s walk through how to report multiple IV infusions including IV pushes and concurrent infusions when they occur during the same encounter.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Only one code should be reported as the initial infusion or push.

• This initial code is typically the service that started first or, if they began simultaneously, the one with the highest reimbursement value (for most payers).

For example, if two IV pushes (such as Pepcid and Zofran) are performed at the same time through the same IV access, you should:

1. Report one initial push (e.g., 96374 for the first IV push).

2. Use the appropriate add-on code for the additional push (e.g., 96375).

If, during the encounter, a concurrent infusion also takes place—meaning it runs at the same time as another infusion through the same access site—you would:

• Bill your initial infusion code (such as 96365).

• Then report 96368 for the concurrent infusion, in addition to any IV push codes as needed.

In all cases, remember:

• Sequence codes by designating the initial service first.

• Follow with all concurrent or subsequent pushes using the correct add-on codes.

Accurate sequencing ensures compliance and maximizes correct reimbursementno matter how many lines, pushes, or drips are on the workflow.

What Qualifies as a Concurrent Infusion?

A concurrent infusion must meet all of the following criteria:

• Two IV infusions

• Administered at the same time

• Through the same IV line or same IV access site

• The secondary infusion is not the primary service

Example of a True Concurrent Infusion

• Antibiotic A infuses over 60 minutes

• Electrolyte infusion starts and runs at the same time

• Both use the same IV access

Correct coding:

• 96365 – Initial infusion

• 96368 – Concurrent infusion

What Is NOT a Concurrent Infusion (Common Errors)

Sequential Infusions

If one infusion ends before the next begins, it is not concurrent.

Example:

• Antibiotic A finishes

• Antibiotic B starts afterward

This is sequential, not concurrent.Code 96367, not 96368.

Piggyback Misunderstanding

Piggybacked medications are often sequential, not concurrent.

If the primary infusion pauses or finishes while the piggyback runs:

• The service is not concurrent

• Even if the same IV line is used

Different IV Sites

If two infusions run at the same time through different IV sites, CPT 96368 is not appropriate.

CPT 96368 vs CPT 96367

Code	Meaning
96367	Sequential infusion of a new drug, given after the initial
96368	Concurrent infusion running at the same time

Ask one key question:

Were both infusions running simultaneously?

If the answer is no, do not report CPT 96368.

Time Rules for CPT 96368

Unlike initial and sequential infusion codes:

• CPT 96368 is not time-based

• You do not report hours or additional units

If the infusion qualifies as concurrent:

• It is reported once per encounter, per CPT guidance

Documentation Requirements (Why This Code Gets Denied)

To support CPT 96368, documentation must clearly show:

• Overlapping infusion times

• Same IV site or access

• Identification of the primary versus secondary infusion

• Nursing documentation that supports concurrency

  
  

If overlapping time is not clearly documented, payers may downcode, deny the add-on service, or recoup payment during audits.

Tip: Combat the number one reason for coding denials mismatched CPT and diagnosis codes by ensuring your documentation and coding choices align with both the infusion service performed and payer accepted diagnoses.

Double-check that the clinical reason for concurrent infusions is supported by the patient’s condition and matches the diagnosis submitted. This attention to detail not only supports medical necessity, but also helps safeguard your claims against denials and audits.

Can Hydration Be Concurrent?

No.

Hydration is considered supportive therapy, not a concurrent infusion when paired with therapeutic infusions.

If hydration is running with a medication infusion:

• Hydration does not become concurrent

• It follows hydration-specific CPT rules and hierarchy

Common CPT 96368 Explained Reasons For Coding Errors

• Reporting 96368 for back-to-back infusions

• Using 96368 simply because two drugs were ordered

• Reporting multiple units of 96368

• Confusing piggyback administration with concurrency

• Missing overlapping start and stop times