CPT® Code 95056

Photo tests, identified by CPT® Code 95056, are diagnostic procedures designed to assess an individual's abnormal reactions to sun exposure. These tests are crucial for evaluating how the skin responds to both short wave ultraviolet radiation (UVB) and long wave ultraviolet radiation (UVA). Abnormal reactions to sunlight can arise from various factors, including the use of certain medications that may cause photosensitivity or an allergic response to UVB and/or UVA radiation, leading to conditions such as chronic photosensitivity dermatitis. During the procedure, specific areas of the skin, typically located on the lower back or buttocks, are exposed to controlled doses of UVB and UVA light. Each exposure is meticulously documented, noting the type of radiation, the dosage administered, and the precise location of the skin tested. After a 24-hour period, the patient returns for an evaluation, during which the physician assesses the skin's reaction and provides a detailed report indicating the absence, presence, or degree of any photoallergic reactions observed in response to the different types and doses of radiation tested.