Question:
Should we account for any interruptions in service when calculating the total time for IV hydration?
Answer:
When calculating the total time for IV hydration, be sure to account for any interruptions in this service. These interruptions may include the time during which an IV infiltration occurred or the patient was off the pump for showering or a diagnostic service. The time of these events should be documented in the patient medical record. Ensure that the staff responsible for calculating total time understand where to look for this documentation in the medical record.
This question was answered in our Coding Essentials for Infusion & Injection Therapy Services. For more hot topics relating to infusion services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.