How To Use CPT Code 96922

CPT 96922 describes the use of an ultraviolet B (UVB) laser for the treatment of severe inflammatory skin diseases, specifically psoriasis, on an area over 500 square centimeters. 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 96922?

CPT 96922 is used to describe the laser treatment of severe inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis, using an ultraviolet B (UVB) laser. This code is specifically used when the treatment area is over 500 square centimeters. The provider applies mineral oil to the treatment area before exposing it to UVB light at a wavelength of 308 nm using an excimer laser. The light is delivered in short bursts, sweeping back and forth over the treatment area.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 96922 is: ‘Laser treatment for inflammatory skin disease (psoriasis); over 500 square centimeters.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider explains the potential risks and benefits of the treatment to the patient.
2. Mineral oil is applied to the treatment area to enhance the penetration of UVB light and minimize scattering of the light rays.
3. The provider uses an excimer laser to deliver UVB light at a wavelength of 308 nm to the treatment area.
4. The light is delivered in short bursts, sweeping back and forth over the treatment area.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 96922 is used for patients with severe inflammatory skin diseases, specifically psoriasis, that require laser treatment. The treatment area must be over 500 square centimeters. The provider must use an ultraviolet B (UVB) laser and deliver the treatment using an excimer laser at a wavelength of 308 nm.

5. When to use CPT code 96922

CPT code 96922 should be used when a patient with severe inflammatory skin disease, such as psoriasis, requires laser treatment on an area over 500 square centimeters. This code should not be used for treatment areas less than 500 square centimeters.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 96922, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of severe inflammatory skin disease, specifically psoriasis
• Treatment area over 500 square centimeters
• Use of an ultraviolet B (UVB) laser
• Delivery of treatment using an excimer laser at a wavelength of 308 nm

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 96922, ensure that the treatment area is over 500 square centimeters and that the provider is using an ultraviolet B (UVB) laser. This code should not be reported with other codes for laser destruction of premalignant, cutaneous vascular proliferative, benign, or malignant lesions. It is important to consider the location of the testing when coding for laser treatments.

8. Historical information

CPT 96922 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2003. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with severe psoriasis receiving laser treatment on an area over 500 square centimeters using an ultraviolet B (UVB) laser.
2. A provider using an excimer laser to treat a patient with severe inflammatory skin disease, specifically psoriasis, on a treatment area over 500 square centimeters.
3. A patient with severe psoriasis undergoing laser treatment using an ultraviolet B (UVB) laser on an area larger than 500 square centimeters.
4. A provider delivering laser treatment for severe inflammatory skin disease, such as psoriasis, on a treatment area over 500 square centimeters using an excimer laser.
5. A patient with severe psoriasis receiving laser treatment on a treatment area larger than 500 square centimeters using an ultraviolet B (UVB) laser.
6. A provider using an excimer laser to treat a patient with severe inflammatory skin disease, specifically psoriasis, on an area over 500 square centimeters.
7. A patient with severe psoriasis undergoing laser treatment using an ultraviolet B (UVB) laser on a treatment area larger than 500 square centimeters.
8. A provider delivering laser treatment for severe inflammatory skin disease, such as psoriasis, on a treatment area over 500 square centimeters using an excimer laser.
9. A patient with severe psoriasis receiving laser treatment on an area larger than 500 square centimeters using an ultraviolet B (UVB) laser.
10. A provider using an excimer laser to treat a patient with severe inflammatory skin disease, specifically psoriasis, on a treatment area over 500 square centimeters.