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CPT Code 96372 Description and Reimbursement Guideline

A man using a laptop to create a spreadsheet, while learning about 5 tips about the CPT codes 96372 .

CPT code 96372 is used for billing when a healthcare provider administers a therapeutic, preventive, or diagnostic injection directly into a muscle (IM) or beneath the skin (subcutaneous route). This service is typically provided in a clinical setting, such as a physician’s office, hospital outpatient department, or urgent care facility.

This code is commonly used when a patient receives an injection such as:

  • Antibiotics
  • Pain relievers
  • Anti-nausea drugs
  • Vaccines (when not covered under a specific vaccine code)

96372 CPT Code Descriptions

According to the American Medical Association (AMA), the full description for CPT code 96372 is:

It is important to note that the substance or drug injected is not included in this code and must be billed separately using the appropriate NDC code (National Drug Code).

96372 CPT Code Modifier Use

When billing CPT 96372 with other services, appropriate modifiers may be required to avoid denials:

  • Modifier 25: Append to an Evaluation and Management (E/M) service on the same day to show that the E/M was significant and separately identifiable.
  • Modifier 59: Use when 96372 is performed in a different anatomical site or session than another procedure.

Example:

If a patient receives an injection during a routine check-up, bill 96372 with modifier 25 on the E/M code to show that both services were necessary.

96372 CPT Code Reimbursement Overview

Reimbursement for CPT 96372 depends on the payer, region, and whether the service is part of a bundled payment model. On average:

  • Medicare Reimbursement (2024): Approximately $16.00–$18.00 per unit
  • Private Insurance: May range from $20.00 to $35.00, depending on contract terms

Always verify with the 96372 CPT code fee schedule specific to your location or payer.

96372 CPT Code Reimbursement Medicare

Under Medicare guidelines, CPT 96372 is reimbursable when:

  • The service is medically necessary
  • The drug is not self-administered
  • Proper documentation supports the injection (site, dosage, time)

Medicare does not cover 96372 if the injection could be self-administered by the patient at home, unless documented.

CPT Code 96372 with Modifier 59

Use modifier 59 with 96372 when the injection is provided separately from another procedure (e.g., during a wound treatment session). This modifier prevents claim bundling and increases the chance of reimbursement approval.

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96372 CPT Code Fee Schedule and RVU

As of 2024, here are the estimated values:

  • Average Medicare Rate: $16.25
  • Relative Value Units (RVU): 0.58 (may vary by geographic location)

To get exact rates, refer to your local Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) or check the CMS Physician Fee Schedule database.

96372 NDC Code and Drug Billing

Drugs administered under CPT 96372 must be reported separately using their NDC code. Always:

  • Verify correct drug strength and form
  • Convert units to NDC units (e.g., mL or mg)
  • Include J-code if applicable (e.g., J1885 for ketorolac)

When submitting the claim, make sure to specify the type of medication or substance injected, along with the correct administration route.

CMS Guidelines for CPT 96372

Per CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) regulations, claims should include both the HCPCS drug code and CPT 96372 to ensure proper reimbursement.

  • CPT 96372 must reflect incident-to services when billed by non-physician staff
  • Must comply with the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual rules
  • Appropriate documentation should include the site of injection, the lot number of the drug, and reaction, if any

How Often Can You Bill CPT 96372?

Frequency depends on the medical necessity and payer policy. For example:

  • Injections like B12 may be billed monthly
  • Pain relief injections may be billed per visit

Avoid medical billing multiple units unless the same code is medically justified and documented for separate injections.

Conclusion

CPT code 96372 plays a key role in medical billing for injections. By understanding its use, modifiers, Medicare rules, and documentation requirements, providers can ensure timely reimbursements and compliance with payer policies.

Whether you’re billing for a routine antibiotic shot or a therapeutic injection during a scheduled visit, accurate coding and documentation make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

CPT Code 96372 is reported when a healthcare professional gives a therapeutic, preventive, or diagnostic injection either into a muscle (intramuscular) or beneath the skin (subcutaneous).It’s not for vaccines or IV infusions, it’s typically used for things like B12 shots, hormone injections, or antibiotics given in a clinic or office.

Yes, you can, but only if the injection is different from the reason for the visit. In that case, you’d add Modifier -25 to your E/M (evaluation and management) code to show it was a distinct service. Just make sure the chart notes clearly support both services.

To bill CPT 96372 properly, you need to document:

  • What medication was given
  • The dose and route (IM or subcutaneous)
  • The site of administration
  • The time given and by whom
  • And most importantly, the medical necessity for the injection

Clear notes are your best defense against denials or audits.

Yes, it’s widely reimbursed, including by Medicare and most private payers, but reimbursement varies. Medicare generally pays around $13–$17, depending on the region. But keep in mind: if your documentation isn’t strong—or if it overlaps with other services without proper modifiers, it might get denied.

Yes, licensed nurses or medical assistants can give the injection, as long as they’re operating under a provider’s order and within their scope of practice. But the billing is under the supervising provider’s NPI, and the provider must be on-site and available during administration.

In our experience with billing reviews, 96372 often gets denied because:

  • It’s not properly linked to a diagnosis
  • There’s no modifier when billed with an E/M code

Documentation is too vague (e.g., “injection given” isn’t enough)
To avoid this, tie the injection to a specific diagnosis, use correct modifiers, and include full clinical documentation. A good billing partner can make this easier.

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