General Question for the Week of April 15, 2024

Question:

Can we report medically necessary hydration in addition to blood transfusion?

Answer:

It is appropriate to report medically necessary hydration in addition to blood transfusion. The key is whether the physician’s order demonstrates medical necessity for both the blood administration and a primary service of hydration therapy. An example is when a patient receives a transfusion and later in the day requires IV hydration. If documentation supports medical indication for hydration therapy the use of a modifier would be required to submit charges for transfusion and for hydration therapy.When fluids are hung as the primary line to assist with transfusion this is not to be coded as hydration therapy.

This question was answered in our annual Hospital Outpatient Infusion Services: Reimbursement & Compliance Update webcast. For more hot topics relating to infusion services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.