CPT 96920: Excimer Laser Treatment for Psoriasis (<250 sq cm)
Medicare pays $144 and commercial payers pay $243 on average nationally for this procedure.
CPT code 96920 describes treatment of psoriasis using an excimer (ultraviolet) laser for a total treated skin surface area of less than 250 sq cm, a procedural dermatology service typically performed in an outpatient dermatology clinic or similar ambulatory setting; this code documents the specific laser-based therapeutic service for inflammatory skin disease (psoriasis) with the indicated limited treatment area.
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 above Medicare for CPT 96920: Blue-Cross Blue Shield’s mean ($310.40) and BUCA’s mean ($243.10) both exceed Medicare’s mean ($143.80), with BUCA representing a mid-to-high commercial average versus Medicare’s lower reimbursements. Blue Cross Blue Shield’s median ($291.20) and UnitedHealth Group’s median ($174.70) further highlight commercial variance above the Medicare central value.
Dispersion (P75−P25) highlights where rates concentrate or spread. Blue Cross Blue Shield shows the widest interquartile spread at $138.20 ($379.60−$241.40), followed by UnitedHealth Group at $136.40 ($262.60−$126.20). Cigna’s spread is $139.30 ($226.90−$86.10), and Aetna is tighter at $108.00 ($141.50−$32.20). BUCA’s spread is $138.20 ($307.10−$172.90). Medicare’s interquartile spread is $18.00 ($150−$132), the tightest among payers.