CPT code 96902 represents a diagnostic dermatology procedure in which the clinician plucks hairs from a patient’s scalp and examines them microscopically to determine telogen and anagen counts or identify structural hair shaft abnormalities. Nationally, this code matters for providers diagnosing alopecia subtypes, hair shaft disorders, and for dermatologic workups that guide clinical management.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for the procedure, payer coverage considerations, common billing modifiers, and where this service is typically provided. The publication also summarizes benchmarks and payment policy updates where available and highlights coding and documentation elements relevant to claims processing.

This summary equips billing managers, dermatology clinicians, and revenue-cycle staff with a clear understanding of what CPT code 96902 represents, why it is used clinically, and the payer landscape to consider when preparing claims or reviewing coverage policies.