CPT code 95044: Patch testing, each separate patch test2026 Medicare rate & RVUs

Medicare pays $5.01 for 95044 nationally in the office. Local office rates run $4.19–$6.92.

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

What 95044 covers

Patch testing identifies delayed reactions associated with allergic contact dermatitis. Small amounts of suspected allergens, such as nickel, fragrance mixes, preservatives, rubber accelerators, or topical medications, are applied to the skin under patches, commonly on the upper back. Clinics may use prepared panels or appropriately prepared substances from a patient's own products. Patches generally remain in place for about 48 hours before removal and an initial reading; a later reading helps identify delayed reactions. Dermatologists and allergists commonly order and interpret the tests, while nurses or medical assistants apply the patches in the office.

Report one unit for each separate patch test, not for each strip or panel. A panel with 35 separately applied tests supports 35 units; document the substances tested, test count, and readings. Select patch testing for suspected delayed contact reactions rather than immediate allergy assessed by prick testing. CMS assigns no physician work RVUs to 95044; its relative value reflects practice expense and malpractice. CMS treats it as an incident-to service billed only when performed under physician supervision. A separately reported E/M requires a significant, independently documented evaluation beyond routine testing and interpretation; use modifier 25 on the E/M when both services occur on the same date.

This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.

Where 95044 pays more and less

The same RVUs, adjusted for each area’s costs. Open a locality for its calculation, history and nearby areas.

109 of 109 payment localities

95044 rates by state

Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.

How the 95044 rate is calculated

Each of 95044’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.

Payment rules and modifiers for 95044

The CMS indicators that decide how 95044 is paid alongside other services.

95044 compared with similar codes

How to choose

95052Photopatch testingLight-dependent contact allergy

95044 evaluates contact reactions with skin-applied patches. Use 95052 for photo patch tests involving controlled light exposure to assess photoallergy.

95004Allergy skin prick testPercutaneous, immediate reaction, per test

95004 uses percutaneous tests read promptly for immediate allergy, such as reactions to pollens. 95044 uses applied patches read later for delayed contact allergy.

95028Allergy skin testingIntradermal, delayed reaction

Both can assess delayed reactions, but 95028 introduces the test substance intradermally. 95044 applies it to the skin surface.

Codes related to 95044

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

Where these rates come from

FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.

CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates