How To Use CPT Code 96900

CPT 96900 describes the use of actinotherapy, specifically ultraviolet light, for the treatment of various skin diseases. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 96900?

CPT 96900 involves the therapeutic use of ultraviolet light rays to treat different skin diseases. It does not include the use of tars, petrolatum, or psoralens with the light treatment. This code is used when the provider applies ultraviolet light to the skin without any additional substances or when the patient applies the treatment themselves.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 96900 is: ‘Actinotherapy: Therapeutic use of ultraviolet light rays to treat various skin diseases.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider explains the potential risks and benefits of actinotherapy to the patient.
2. The provider applies ultraviolet light to the affected areas of the patient’s skin.
3. The treatment aims to treat skin diseases such as actinic keratoses and other related conditions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 96900 is used when the provider applies ultraviolet light to treat skin diseases without the use of tars, petrolatum, or psoralens. It is important to note that if the treatment involves the application of these substances along with ultraviolet light, different codes should be used.

5. When to use CPT code 96900

CPT 96900 should be used when the provider applies ultraviolet light alone to treat skin diseases. It should not be reported if tars, petrolatum, or psoralens are used in combination with the light treatment. It is important to accurately document the procedure to ensure proper coding and billing.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 96900, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for actinotherapy
• Date and duration of the treatment session
• Areas of the skin treated with ultraviolet light
• Any additional substances used during the treatment, if applicable
• Progress made by the patient and any follow-up sessions scheduled
• Provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 96900, ensure that the treatment involves the use of ultraviolet light alone, without the addition of tars, petrolatum, or psoralens. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting photochemotherapy codes if these substances are used in combination with ultraviolet light. Take note of any modifiers that may be required for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 96900 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A dermatologist using ultraviolet light to treat actinic keratoses on a patient’s face.
2. A patient applying ultraviolet light to their own skin to manage a skin disease under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
3. A provider using ultraviolet light to treat a specific area of the body affected by a skin condition.
4. A dermatology clinic offering actinotherapy services for various skin diseases.
5. A patient receiving regular sessions of ultraviolet light treatment for a chronic skin condition.
6. A provider explaining the benefits and risks of actinotherapy to a patient before starting the treatment.
7. A dermatologist monitoring the progress of a patient undergoing ultraviolet light therapy for a skin disease.
8. A provider documenting the areas of the patient’s skin treated with ultraviolet light during a session.
9. A patient scheduling follow-up sessions for continued actinotherapy treatment.
10. A healthcare facility providing education and training on self-administered actinotherapy for patients with specific skin diseases.