How To Use CPT Code 96910

CPT 96910 describes the use of photochemotherapy for the treatment of certain skin diseases. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 96910?

CPT 96910 can be used to describe the application of tar or petrolatum to the skin, followed by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. This treatment is known as photochemotherapy and is used to treat specific skin diseases, such as psoriasis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 96910 is: ‘Photochemotherapy; tar and ultraviolet B (Goeckerman treatment) or petrolatum and ultraviolet B.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider applies tar or petrolatum to the patient’s skin.
2. The treated area is then exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
3. This treatment, known as the Goeckerman treatment, continues for up to a three-week period.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 96910 is used for patients with certain skin diseases, such as psoriasis, that can benefit from photochemotherapy. The provider must explain the potential risks and benefits of the treatment to the patient. The procedure involves the application of tar or petrolatum to the skin, followed by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.

5. When to use CPT code 96910

CPT code 96910 should be used when the provider applies tar or petrolatum in combination with ultraviolet B (UVB) light therapy. It should not be used when psoralens are used in combination with ultraviolet A (UVA) light therapy, as a different code (CPT 96912) should be used in that case.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 96910, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The patient’s diagnosis and the need for photochemotherapy
• The specific substances applied to the skin (tar or petrolatum)
• The dates and duration of the treatment

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 96910, ensure that the provider applies tar or petrolatum in combination with ultraviolet B (UVB) light therapy. If the treatment requires 4 to 8 hours of care under direct supervision and involves tar and ultraviolet B (UVB) or PUVA, a different code (CPT 96913) should be reported. It is important to note that when the provider does not use tars, petrolatum, or psoralens with the light treatment, or when the patient applies the treatment themselves, a different code (CPT 96900) should be reported.

8. Historical information

CPT 96910 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with psoriasis receives the Goeckerman treatment, which involves the application of tar to the skin followed by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
2. A healthcare provider applies petrolatum to a patient’s skin and exposes the area to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to treat a specific skin disease.
3. A patient with a chronic skin condition undergoes photochemotherapy, which includes the application of tar and exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
4. A provider applies tar to a patient’s skin and exposes the area to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to treat a skin disease.
5. A patient with psoriasis undergoes photochemotherapy, which involves the application of petrolatum and exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
6. A healthcare provider applies tar to a patient’s skin and exposes the area to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to treat a specific skin condition.
7. A patient receives the Goeckerman treatment, which includes the application of petrolatum and exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
8. A provider applies tar to a patient’s skin and exposes the area to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to treat a skin disorder.
9. A patient with psoriasis undergoes photochemotherapy, which involves the application of tar and exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
10. A healthcare provider applies petrolatum to a patient’s skin and exposes the area to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to treat a specific skin condition.