IV fluid shortage: Temporarily allowing subcutaneous administration

Update 12.23.24 - We're extending the supports outlined below through Mar. 31, 2025. 

Update 10.30.24 - Due to the continued IV fluid supply chain challenges, we're extending the supports outlined below through Dec. 1, 2024.

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We understand the significant challenges the recent IV fluid shortage has caused, and we want to ensure as little disruption to care for our members, your patients, as possible.

We’ll temporarily allow inpatient and outpatient facilities to administer subcutaneous fluids (CPT codes 96372 and 96373) in lieu of IV fluids (CPT codes 96360 and 96361), at the frequency / volume needed, from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1, at this point we’ll reassess the need.

To support this effort, we’ve:

• Adjusted the frequency edits for subcutaneous fluids CPT codes (96372 and 96373), as we anticipate more units than typical may need to be administered to achieve the same fluid volume that would be achieved through IV administration.
• Paused the IV fluid notification requirement for inpatient authorizations.
• Informed our post-pay audit vendors of this exception to avoid unnecessary claim audits.