CPT 96910: Tar or Petrolatum Application with UVB Phototherapy
CPT code 96910 denotes application of tar or petrolatum to the skin with subsequent ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure for treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, most commonly psoriasis. As a procedure-based dermatologic phototherapy code, it is relevant for outpatient dermatology services and phototherapy units nationally. The code matters because phototherapy remains a widely used, evidence-supported treatment for moderate and extensive psoriasis and other UV-sensitive dermatoses, with implications for utilization, access to specialty care, and payer coverage policies.
Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical context for the procedure, common diagnostic reasons for its use, and how this code relates to neighboring phototherapy and photochemotherapy codes. The publication outlines typical sites of service and common clinical indications such as L40.0 (psoriasis vulgaris) and related ICD-10 codes, and situates 96910 alongside related CPT codes like 96900 (actinotherapy) and 96912–96913 (photochemotherapy/PUVA).
This summary equips billing managers, dermatology clinicians, and policy analysts with clear identification of the service represented by 96910, the national payer audience most likely to encounter the code, and the clinical scenarios where it is applied. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable in the detailed sections.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 96910 describes a topical tar or petrolatum application followed by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light to treat certain inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis. This procedure is a form of actinotherapy that combines a topical agent with targeted UVB radiation to reduce disease activity.
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Service type: Phototherapy with topical tar or petrolatum application
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Typical site of service: Dermatology clinic or outpatient phototherapy unit
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.