CPT® Code 96381

The CPT® Code 96381 refers to the administration of a seasonal dose of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) monoclonal antibody via intramuscular injection. This procedure involves delivering a vaccine that contains laboratory-produced proteins designed to mimic the immune response against the RSV virus, which is known to cause severe respiratory infections, particularly in infants and young children. The administration is typically performed as a single intramuscular injection into the anterolateral thigh, a common site for such vaccinations. This procedure is crucial for infants and neonates entering their first RSV season, as well as for young children under the age of two who remain highly susceptible to the virus. The timing of the administration is generally scheduled for October or November, aligning with the onset of the RSV season to provide optimal protection. Additionally, it is important to note that the administration of this vaccine may include face-to-face counseling provided by a physician or qualified healthcare professional to the patient’s family or caregiver, as indicated by the related code 96380.