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Excimer laser treatment, specifically identified by CPT® Code 96922, is a specialized procedure aimed at managing mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. This treatment utilizes the XTRAC laser therapy, which delivers concentrated bursts of high-intensity ultraviolet B (UVB) light at a precise wavelength. The laser is directed specifically at the psoriatic plaques on the skin, ensuring that the surrounding healthy skin remains untouched. This targeted approach allows for effective treatment of the lesions while minimizing damage to adjacent tissues. The procedure is particularly advantageous as it can achieve results comparable to traditional light therapy but typically requires fewer treatment sessions. The intense nature of the laser light penetrates deeper into the affected skin, making it more effective for challenging areas such as the scalp and the soles of the feet. Prior to treatment, the dermatologist conducts a thorough examination of the treatment site, assessing the lesions for signs of redness, erythema, blistering, or pain. The laser wand is then aimed directly at the patches of psoriasis for a brief duration, with the dermatologist continuously monitoring the skin's response throughout the procedure. For coding purposes, it is important to note that different CPT® codes are designated based on the total area treated: 96920 for areas less than 250 square centimeters, 96921 for areas between 250 and 500 square centimeters, and 96922 for areas exceeding 500 square centimeters.
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The excimer laser treatment for psoriasis, coded as CPT® 96922, is indicated for patients suffering from mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. This condition is characterized by raised, red patches covered with thick, silvery scales, which can be itchy and uncomfortable. The treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals who have extensive areas of psoriasis, specifically those with lesions covering more than 500 square centimeters. The procedure is designed to alleviate the symptoms associated with plaque psoriasis and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
The excimer laser treatment procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment of psoriasis lesions. Initially, the dermatologist conducts a thorough inspection of the treatment site, evaluating the psoriatic plaques for characteristics such as redness, erythema, and any signs of blistering or pain. This assessment is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment approach and ensuring patient safety. Following the evaluation, the dermatologist selects the excimer laser wand and positions it directly over the patches of psoriasis. The laser is then activated, delivering high-intensity UVB light specifically to the affected areas. This focused application lasts only a few minutes, during which the dermatologist closely monitors the skin's response to the treatment. The precision of the laser allows for effective targeting of the lesions while sparing the surrounding healthy skin from exposure. After the treatment session, the dermatologist may provide post-procedure care instructions to the patient, ensuring they understand any necessary follow-up actions.
After the excimer laser treatment, patients may experience some redness or mild discomfort in the treated areas, which is a normal response to the laser application. The dermatologist will provide specific post-procedure care instructions, which may include recommendations for moisturizing the skin and avoiding sun exposure to minimize irritation. Patients are typically advised to monitor the treated areas for any unusual changes or adverse reactions and to follow up with their dermatologist as needed. The expected recovery time can vary, but many patients can resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure. Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to determine if additional sessions are necessary for optimal results.
| Short Descr | EXCIMER LSR PSRIASIS>500SQCM | Medium Descr | EXCIMER LASER TX PSORIASIS >500 SQ CM | Long Descr | Excimer laser treatment for psoriasis; over 500 sq cm | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | STV-Packaged Codes | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P6A - Minor procedures - skin | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 174 - Other non-OR therapeutic procedures on skin and breast |
| 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | Q6 | Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) |
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| 2024-01-01 | Changed | Short, Medium, and Long Description changed. |
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Short Descriptor changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Medium description changed. Short description changed. |
| 2003-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2003. |
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