CPT® Code 96935

Add-On Code

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) for cellular and sub-cellular imaging of skin; image acquisition only, each additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a sophisticated, non-invasive imaging technique utilized for the detailed examination of skin cell populations. This procedure is particularly valuable in the assessment of both benign and malignant tumors, specifically those involving melanocytes and keratinocytes. During the RCM process, a near-infrared light emitted from a diode laser is precisely focused on a targeted area of the skin. As this light penetrates the cellular structures, it interacts with them, resulting in variations in the refraction indexes and natural light reflections. These interactions are captured and processed using advanced computer software, which reconstructs the data into a two-dimensional grayscale image. The high-resolution images generated through this method allow for a thorough histological analysis of the lesions, aiding in the diagnosis and management of skin conditions. The coding structure for RCM includes various CPT® codes that differentiate between the types of procedures performed, such as image acquisition with interpretation and report, image acquisition only, and additional lesions examined. Specifically, CPT® Code 96935 is designated for the image acquisition of each additional lesion, following the primary procedure, which is essential for accurate billing and documentation in clinical practice.