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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesSpecial Dermatological ProceduresCPT cpt-96999-integumentary-unlisted-procedure
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    CPT 96999: Unlisted Integumentary Procedure

    CPT code 96999 is an unlisted procedure code for integumentary system procedures that lack a specific CPT code; it is used to report a miscellaneous surgical or non-surgical integumentary service performed in an operating room, procedure suite, clinic, or other outpatient setting when no more specific code applies and documentation describes the procedure and clinical rationale.

    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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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A patient presents to a dermatology or outpatient surgical clinic with an integumentary procedure that does not have a specific CPT code description. Typical scenarios include a novel or uncommon skin reconstructive technique, a bespoke wound closure method, application of an experimental topical device, or an unusual layered repair of complex cutaneous defects. The patient is evaluated by the attending dermatologist or plastic surgeon, a focused history and exam are documented, and informed consent for the unlisted integumentary procedure is obtained. Photographic documentation and operative notes describe the technique, time, materials, and any complications. Billing staff append 96999 for the professional service and may include a detailed operative report or a brief report with time, complexity, and rationale for the unlisted code. Typical sites of service are outpatient dermatology clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and hospital outpatient departments. Examples of clinical workflows: preoperative evaluation and marking, local anesthesia administration, execution of the unlisted procedure, immediate postoperative instructions, and documentation for medical necessity for payer review.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    13160Secondary closure of surgical wound or dehiscence; simple closureMay be used for standard secondary closures when applicable; 96999 used when technique differs from standard closure.
    14060Adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement, trunk; defect 30.1 sq cm to 60.0 sq cmCommon reconstructive technique; when procedure does not fit existing descriptors or size categories, 96999 may be used with documentation.
    15271Full-thickness graft, first 100 sq cm or less, single or multiple donor sitesWhen grafting is performed but does not meet defined descriptors, 96999 may be billed for atypical graft procedures.
    13132Repair complex, scalp, arms, legs; 2.6 cm to 7.5 cmUsed for complex layered repairs; if technique or complexity is outside listed ranges, 96999 may be used.
    12032Repair intermediate, forehead, cheeks, chin, mouth, neck; 2.6 cm to 7.5 cmStandard intermediate repair code; 96999 applies when unusual methods or combined procedures lack specific codes.
    17250Destruction of benign lesion other than skin tags; up to 14 lesionsDestructive procedures commonly precede reconstructive work; use 96999 for atypical destructive-to-repair combinations not covered by specific codes.

    Related Modifiers

    6 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    55Modifier –55 indicates the billing provider furnished only postoperative management for a procedure that has a global surgical period. According to AAPC, this modifier is appended to the same CPT…- Use modifier -55 when billing the same CPT surgical code that has a 10- or 90-day global period and you, as a provider other than the original surgeon, furnished ONLY postoperative management (no…
    95Modifier 95 indicates that a service was provided via synchronous, real‑time audio‑video telehealth rather than in‑person. Per CMS, AAPC and professional associations, append modifier 95 to claim…- Use modifier 95 to indicate a service was furnished via synchronous, real‑time audiovisual telehealth (a live audio‑video conference between patient and provider) rather than in‑person. - Pair…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    207N00000XDermatology PhysicianA dermatologist is trained to diagnose and treat pediatric and adult patients with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, mouth, external genital…
    207X00000XOrthopaedic Surgery PhysicianAn orthopaedic surgeon is trained in the preservation, investigation and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine and associated…
    207K00000XAllergy & Immunology PhysicianAn allergist-immunologist is trained in evaluation, physical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of disorders involving the immune system. Select…
    207QB0505XDiabetology (Internal Medicine) PhysicianAn internist who specializes in diagnosis and management of type 1, type 2, gestational, and atypical diabetes; diabetes complications; hospital manag…
    364SL0600XLong-Term Care Clinical Nurse SpecialistPhysician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers · Clinical Nurse Specialist
    193200000XMulti-Specialty GroupA business group of one or more individual practitioners, who practice with different areas of specialization.
    344800000XAir CarrierAn air company that the Federal Aviation Administration, the certificate-holding district office (CHDO), regional Flight Standards Division (RFSD) off…
    207QP0002XPhysician Nutrition Specialist (Family Medicine)A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of primary nutritional diseases (e.g., undernutrition, overnutrition, and genetic or acquir…

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Dermatology1 / 2

    5 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Onychomycosis diagnostic testing and coverageOscar Health2026-10-01
    Topical Acne-Non-Retinoid ProductsCigna2026-08-15
    Dermatology - Vtama Drug Quantity Management Policy - Per DaysCigna2026-08-15
    Medical Necessity Guidelines: Acne and Rosacea Medicationsharvard pilgrim health care2026-08-11
    Winlevi (clascoterone 1% cream) — Topical AcneCigna2026-08-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-96900-ULTRAVIOLET-PHOTOTHERAPY-FOR-SKIN-DISEASES

    CPT 96900: Ultraviolet Therapy for Skin Diseases

    CPT-96902-HAIR-PLUCK-MICROSCOPIC-HAIR-ANALYSIS

    CPT 96902: Hair Pluck Microscopic Analysis for Telogen/Anagen Counts

    CPT-96904-DERMATOSCOPIC-EXAMINATION-WITH-IMAGING

    CPT 96904: Dermatoscopy with Digital Imaging of Pigmented Lesions

    CPT-96910-TAR-PETROLATUM-PLUS-UVB-PHOTOTHERAPY

    CPT 96910: Tar or Petrolatum Application with UVB Phototherapy

    CPT-96912-PUVA-PHOTOCHEMOTHERAPY-PSORALEN-UV-A

    CPT 96912: Photochemotherapy (Psoralen + UVA)

    CPT-96913-PHOTOCHEMOTHERAPY-4-TO-8-HOUR-SESSION

    CPT 96913: Photochemotherapy, Prolonged (4–8 Hours)

    CPT-96920-EXCIMER-LASER-TREATMENT-PSORIASIS-LESS-THAN-250-SQ-CM

    CPT 96920: Excimer Laser Treatment for Psoriasis (<250 sq cm)

    CPT-96921-EXCIMER-LASER-PSORIASIS-250-500-SQ-CM

    CPT 96921: Excimer (UV) Laser Treatment for Psoriasis 250–500 sq cm

    CPT-96922-EXCIMER-LASER-PSORIASIS-TREATMENT-OVER-500-SQCM

    CPT 96922: Excimer (UV) Laser Treatment for Psoriasis, >500 sq cm

    CPT-96931-SKIN-NEAR-INFRARED-IMAGING-LESION-INTERPRETATION

    CPT 96931: Near-Infrared Imaging for Single Skin Lesion

    Showing 1–10 of 15

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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