What is the difference between CPT 96365 and 96374?

CPT 96365 is for the initial therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic IV infusion up to 1 hour. CPT 96374 is for an initial or single-substance IV push.

Can CPT 96374 be used when the medication runs over time?

If the service is documented as a timed infusion, CPT 96365 is usually the cleaner starting point. CPT 96374 is for IV push administration, not a documented infusion.

What documentation matters most for 96365 vs 96374?

The note should document route, medication, clinical indication, and for infusion coding, start and stop times.

96365 vs 96374: IV Infusion vs IV Push Coding

Last reviewed: May 2026

Free CPT Code Finder Editorial • Updated May 2026 • 4 min read

The fight between 96365 and 96374 is not philosophical. It is route and time. If the medication was infused over time, prove the clock. If it was pushed, do not dress it up as an infusion.

The clean split

96365 is for therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic IV infusion; initial, up to 1 hour.
96374 is for therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic IV push; initial or single substance/drug.
96366 is for each additional infusion hour, and it belongs behind a supported primary infusion code.

Do not code vibes

A medication can be expensive, monitored, or clinically important and still not be an infusion. The administration method drives the code. If it went in as a rapid push, 96374 is usually the code neighborhood. If it ran over documented time, 96365 is the starting point.

What the note must say

For 96365, document medication, indication, route, start time, and stop time. For 96374, document the medication, indication, route, and that it was administered as an IV push. If the note only says “IV medication given,” it is too weak.

Where 96366 fits

96366 is not a consolation prize for “long-ish.” It is an add-on code for additional supported infusion time. If the primary infusion is not documented, or the duration does not support additional time, forcing 96366 onto the claim is asking for a denial.

Quick examples

Medication infused from 08:00 to 08:45: usually 96365 if other requirements are met.
Medication pushed over a few minutes: usually 96374.
Infusion runs long enough for an additional reportable hour: 96365 plus 96366 when documentation supports it.

Bottom line

96365 is infusion time. 96374 is IV push. 96366 is additional infusion time, not a standalone code. If the route and clock are not clear, fix the documentation before you try to fix the claim.