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Official Description

Rabies immune globulin, heat-treated (RIg-HT), human, for intramuscular and/or subcutaneous use

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 90376 refers to rabies immune globulin, specifically the heat-treated variant (RIg-HT), which is intended for intramuscular and/or subcutaneous administration. This immunizing agent is a concentrated solution containing antibodies that provide effective, short-term passive immunity against rabies. Unlike active immunization, where the recipient's immune system is stimulated to produce its own antibodies, the use of rabies immune globulin offers immediate protection through the direct introduction of pre-formed antibodies into the body. This passive immunity is crucial for individuals who have been exposed to the rabies virus, as it helps to neutralize the virus and prevent the onset of the disease. The immune globulin is derived from pooled donor blood from individuals who have already developed antibodies against rabies, ensuring a robust source of protection. The specific code 90376 is designated for the use of human rabies immune globulin that has undergone a heat treatment process at temperatures of 58-60 degrees Celsius for a duration of 10 hours. This process is essential for inactivating potential viruses and minimizing the risk of blood-borne viral transmission, thereby enhancing the safety of the product for recipients.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The rabies immune globulin (RIg-HT) is indicated for use in individuals who have been exposed to the rabies virus. This exposure may occur through various means, including bites or scratches from potentially rabid animals, or through other forms of contact with the virus. The administration of RIg-HT is critical in these situations to provide immediate passive immunity and to help prevent the development of rabies, a disease that is almost universally fatal once clinical symptoms appear.

  • Exposure to Rabies Virus Individuals who have been bitten or scratched by animals suspected of being rabid.
  • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Used in conjunction with rabies vaccination to provide immediate protection following exposure.

2. Procedure

The procedure for administering rabies immune globulin (RIg-HT) involves several key steps to ensure proper delivery and effectiveness. First, the healthcare provider must assess the patient's exposure history to determine the necessity of RIg-HT administration. Once indicated, the provider prepares the immune globulin solution, ensuring that it is at the appropriate temperature and condition for use. The next step involves selecting the appropriate injection site, which is typically the deltoid muscle for intramuscular administration or a suitable subcutaneous site. The provider then cleans the injection site with an antiseptic to minimize the risk of infection. Following this, the immune globulin is injected either intramuscularly or subcutaneously, depending on the specific clinical guidelines and the patient's condition. It is important to administer the immune globulin as soon as possible after exposure to maximize its protective effects. After the injection, the provider may monitor the patient for any immediate adverse reactions, ensuring that the patient is stable before discharge.

  • Step 1: Assessment Evaluate the patient's exposure history to determine the need for RIg-HT administration.
  • Step 2: Preparation Prepare the immune globulin solution, ensuring it is in the correct condition for use.
  • Step 3: Site Selection Choose an appropriate injection site, typically the deltoid muscle for intramuscular use.
  • Step 4: Site Cleaning Clean the injection site with an antiseptic to reduce infection risk.
  • Step 5: Administration Inject the immune globulin either intramuscularly or subcutaneously as indicated.
  • Step 6: Monitoring Observe the patient for any immediate adverse reactions post-injection.

3. Post-Procedure

After the administration of rabies immune globulin (RIg-HT), patients are typically monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the injection. It is essential to provide the patient with information regarding potential side effects, which may include localized pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. Patients should also be advised on the importance of following up for rabies vaccination, as RIg-HT is used in conjunction with the rabies vaccine for optimal protection. The timing of the vaccine doses should be clearly communicated to the patient to ensure compliance with the post-exposure prophylaxis protocol. Additionally, patients should be instructed to seek medical attention if they experience any unusual symptoms or reactions following the administration of the immune globulin.

Short Descr RABIES IG HEAT TREATED
Medium Descr RABIES IG HEAT-TREATED HUMAN IM/SUBQ
Long Descr Rabies immune globulin, heat-treated (RIg-HT), human, for intramuscular and/or subcutaneous use
Related Drugs IMOGAM RABIES-HT
Status Code Excluded from Physician Fee Schedule by Regulation
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Nonpass-Through Drugs and Nonimplantable Biologicals, Including Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals
ASC Payment Indicator Drugs and biologicals paid separately when provided integral to a surgical procedure on ASC list; payment based on OPPS rate.
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6D - Minor procedures - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 20
CCS Clinical Classification 228 - Prophylactic vaccinations and inoculations
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
1999-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1999.
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