How To Use CPT Code 96932

CPT 96932 describes the use of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) for cellular and sub-cellular imaging of the skin. 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 96932?

CPT 96932 can be used to describe the imaging procedure using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) for cellular and sub-cellular imaging of the skin. This code is specifically for the image acquisition only, for the first lesion or area of diseased or damaged tissue.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 96932 is: ‘Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) for cellular and sub-cellular imaging of skin; image acquisition only, first lesion.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider uses a special microscope and focuses near-infrared light on the skin to examine the cellular and subcellular layers.
2. The near-infrared light is reflected back from the target skin, and the images are captured by a computer connected to the microscope.
3. This procedure is performed for a single lesion or area of diseased or damaged tissue.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 96932 is used when the provider needs to examine the cellular and subcellular layers of the skin using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). This procedure is specifically for the image acquisition only, for the first lesion or area of diseased or damaged tissue.

5. When to use CPT code 96932

CPT code 96932 should be used when the provider performs the image acquisition only, for the first lesion or area of diseased or damaged tissue using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). This code should not be used if the provider also interprets and reports the findings or performs the procedure for each additional lesion.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 96932, the provider must document the following information:

• Description of the lesion or area of diseased or damaged tissue
• Date and time of the procedure
• Images captured during the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 96932, ensure that the provider performs the image acquisition only, for the first lesion or area of diseased or damaged tissue using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). This code should not be reported if the provider also interprets and reports the findings or performs the procedure for each additional lesion. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting CPT code 96932 and to use the appropriate modifiers if necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 96932 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2016. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A dermatologist performs reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) image acquisition for a suspicious mole on a patient’s arm.
2. A plastic surgeon uses reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) to acquire images of a scar on a patient’s face for further analysis.
3. An oncologist performs reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) image acquisition for a lesion on a patient’s skin to determine if it is cancerous.
4. A dermatopathologist uses reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) to acquire images of a skin biopsy sample for cellular and sub-cellular analysis.
5. A dermatologist performs reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) image acquisition for a patient with a suspected skin infection to visualize the affected area.
6. A plastic surgeon uses reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) to acquire images of a patient’s skin graft site to monitor the healing process.
7. An oncologist performs reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) image acquisition for a patient with a recurring skin lesion to assess its characteristics.
8. A dermatopathologist uses reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) to acquire images of a patient’s skin to aid in the diagnosis of a rare skin condition.
9. A dermatologist performs reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) image acquisition for a patient with a suspected allergic reaction to visualize the affected area.
10. A plastic surgeon uses reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) to acquire images of a patient’s skin prior to a cosmetic procedure for preoperative planning.