CPT 96910: Tar or Petrolatum Application with UVB Phototherapy
Medicare pays $120 and commercial payers pay $152 on average nationally for this procedure.
CPT code 96910 describes application of tar or petrolatum to the skin followed by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light for treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis; this is a phototherapy service typically provided by dermatology specialists in an outpatient dermatology clinic or ambulatory treatment setting.
For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Onychomycosis diagnostic testing and coverage, Topical Acne-Non-Retinoid Products, Dermatology - Vtama Drug Quantity Management Policy - Per Days.
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National Reimbursement Benchmarks
Commercial averages sit clearly above Medicare: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealth Group, Aetna and BUCA all have mean rates above Medicare’s mean of $120.4, with BUCA’s average of $151.7 representing a roughly $31.3 premium over Medicare. Cigna and UnitedHealth Group show the highest commercial means (around $168.8 and $169.7), while Aetna’s mean of $103.5 falls below Medicare.
Dispersion measured by the interquartile spread (P75 minus P25) is largest for Cigna and UnitedHealth Group at $125.1 and $121.5 respectively, indicating wider variability in contracted rates; Blue Cross Blue Shield and BUCA show moderate spreads ($59.4 and $76.6). Aetna displays the tightest IQR at $57.0, reflecting relatively concentrated commercial pricing around its median.