CPT code 95044: Patch testing, each separate patch test2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Colorado
Epicutaneous patch tests assess delayed reactions to substances contacting the skin; report one unit for each separate test performed for suspected allergic contact dermatitis.
In Colorado, Medicare pays $5.24 for 95044 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 95044 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
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.
How Colorado compares for 95044
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 95044 runs from $4.19 in Arkansas to $6.92 in San Benito County, CA. Colorado pays $5.24. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Colorado · this page$5.24
- Los Angeles, CA · California$5.75+$0.51
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$5.88+$0.64
- Miami, FL · Florida$5.71+$0.47
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$5.47+$0.23
- Manhattan, NY · New York$5.96+$0.72
- Alaska · Alaska$5.16−$0.08
Other areas in Colorado first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $4.28 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $4.19 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $4.82 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $5.33 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $5.30 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $5.31 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $5.30 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $5.30 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $5.30 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $5.30 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $5.30 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $6.33 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $5.74 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $5.30 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $5.30 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $5.41 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $5.62 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $5.60 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $5.77 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $6.75 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $6.74 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $6.92 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $6.88 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $5.51 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $5.86 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $5.63 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $5.92 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $5.30 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $6.32 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $5.30 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $5.30 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $5.44 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $4.92 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $5.34 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $4.97 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $5.15 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $4.57 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $5.51 | — |
| IowaIowa | $4.41 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $4.46 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $4.97 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $4.79 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $5.39 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $4.50 | — |
| KansasKansas | $4.40 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $4.46 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $4.78 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $4.46 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $5.88 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $5.19 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $5.43 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $5.04 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $4.51 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $4.84 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $5.08 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $4.65 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $4.91 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $4.72 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $4.79 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $4.36 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $4.27 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $5.01 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $4.58 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $4.81 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $4.44 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $5.16 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $5.78 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $5.47 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $4.69 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $4.96 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $6.18 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $5.52 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $6.01 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $4.68 | — |
| OhioOhio | $4.61 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $4.44 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $5.44 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $4.89 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $5.27 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $4.61 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $5.06 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $5.13 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $4.60 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $4.79 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $4.43 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $5.24 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $4.57 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $4.89 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $4.94 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $4.90 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $4.92 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $5.10 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $4.74 | — |
| UtahUtah | $4.70 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $4.83 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $5.06 | — |
| VermontVermont | $4.80 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $5.18 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $6.01 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $4.58 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $4.54 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $4.92 | — |
95044 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
$4.19
$6.11
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $5.16 | 1 |
| AL | $4.28 | 1 |
| AR | $4.19 | 1 |
| AZ | $4.82 | 1 |
| CA | $5.30–$6.92 | 29 |
| CO | $5.24 | 1 |
| CT | $5.44 | 1 |
| DC | $5.88 | 1 |
| DE | $4.92 | 1 |
| FL | $4.97–$5.71 | 3 |
| GA | $4.57–$5.15 | 2 |
| GU | $5.51 | 1 |
| HI | $5.51 | 1 |
| IA | $4.41 | 1 |
| ID | $4.46 | 1 |
| IL | $4.79–$5.47 | 4 |
| IN | $4.50 | 1 |
| KS | $4.40 | 1 |
| KY | $4.46 | 1 |
| LA | $4.46–$4.78 | 2 |
| MA | $5.19–$5.88 | 2 |
| MD | $5.04–$5.88 | 3 |
| ME | $4.51–$4.84 | 2 |
| MI | $4.65–$5.08 | 2 |
| MN | $4.91 | 1 |
| MO | $4.36–$4.79 | 3 |
| MS | $4.27 | 1 |
| MT | $5.01 | 1 |
| NC | $4.58 | 1 |
| ND | $4.81 | 1 |
| NE | $4.44 | 1 |
| NH | $5.16 | 1 |
| NJ | $5.47–$5.78 | 2 |
| NM | $4.69 | 1 |
| NV | $4.96 | 1 |
| NY | $4.68–$6.18 | 5 |
| OH | $4.61 | 1 |
| OK | $4.44 | 1 |
| OR | $4.89–$5.44 | 2 |
| PA | $4.61–$5.27 | 2 |
| PR | $5.06 | 1 |
| RI | $5.13 | 1 |
| SC | $4.60 | 1 |
| SD | $4.79 | 1 |
| TN | $4.43 | 1 |
| TX | $4.57–$5.24 | 8 |
| UT | $4.70 | 1 |
| VA | $4.83–$5.88 | 2 |
| VI | $5.06 | 1 |
| VT | $4.80 | 1 |
| WA | $5.18–$6.01 | 2 |
| WI | $4.58 | 1 |
| WV | $4.54 | 1 |
| WY | $4.92 | 1 |
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.
How the rate is built · 95044
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.00
0.00 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense0.14
0.14 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.01
0.01 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
0.1500
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$5.01
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Colorado inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
12,464
- Code
- 95044
- Physician work
- 0.00
- Practice expense
- 0.14
- Malpractice
- 0.01
GPCI2026.csv
37
- Locality
- Colorado
- Physician work
- 1.012
- Practice expense
- 1.064
- Malpractice
- 0.781
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.00 | × 1.012 | 0.0000 |
| Practice expense | 0.14 | × 1.064 | 0.1490 |
| Malpractice | 0.01 | × 0.781 | 0.0078 |
| Total RVUs | 0.1568 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Colorado$5.24
Office: (0 × 1.012 + 0.14 × 1.064 + 0.01 × 0.781) × $33.4009 = $5.24
Payment rules and modifiers for 95044
The CMS indicators that decide how 95044 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 95044
Patch testing, each separate patch test
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | XXX | The global surgery concept doesn’t apply. |
| Multiple procedures | 0 | No multiple-procedure reduction. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 0 | The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 0 | Not paid without supporting documentation. |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 5 | Incident-to service. |
How 95044 has changed in Colorado
95044 · Office / nonfacility
$5.24
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $0.20 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $5.04 to $5.24 (4.0%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.
What changed, release by release
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$5.04changed to$5.24
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work GPCI 1.008 changed to 1.012
- Practice expense GPCI 1.053 changed to 1.064
- Malpractice GPCI 0.827 changed to 0.781
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$5.18changed to$5.04
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$5.10changed to$5.18
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$5.25changed to$5.10
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Work GPCI 1.005 changed to 1.008
- Practice expense GPCI 1.050 changed to 1.053
- Malpractice GPCI 0.797 changed to 0.827
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$5.34changed to$5.25
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Work GPCI 1.001 changed to 1.005
- Practice expense GPCI 1.047 changed to 1.050
- Malpractice GPCI 0.767 changed to 0.797
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$5.75changed to$5.34
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 0.15 changed to 0.14
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$5.55changed to$5.75
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 0.14 changed to 0.15
- Work GPCI 1.000 changed to 1.001
- Practice expense GPCI 1.033 changed to 1.047
- Malpractice GPCI 0.905 changed to 0.767
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$5.88changed to$5.55
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 0.15 changed to 0.14
- Practice expense GPCI 1.018 changed to 1.033
- Malpractice GPCI 1.042 changed to 0.905
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$5.87changed to$5.88
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$5.85changed to$5.87
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense GPCI 1.015 changed to 1.018
- Malpractice GPCI 1.066 changed to 1.042
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$5.82changed to$5.85
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense GPCI 1.011 changed to 1.015
- Malpractice GPCI 1.090 changed to 1.066
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$5.84changed to$5.82
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$5.81changed to$5.84
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$5.41changed to$5.81
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 0.14 changed to 0.15
- Practice expense GPCI 1.008 changed to 1.011
- Malpractice GPCI 0.981 changed to 1.090
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$5.76changed to$5.41
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 0.16 changed to 0.14
- Practice expense GPCI 1.004 changed to 1.008
- Malpractice GPCI 0.872 changed to 0.981
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $5.76
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $5.24 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $5.24 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $5.24 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $5.24 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $5.04 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $5.04 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $5.04 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $5.04 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $5.18 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $5.18 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $5.18 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $5.18 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $5.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $5.25 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $5.25 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $5.25 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $5.25 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $5.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $5.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $5.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $5.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $5.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $5.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $5.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $5.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $5.55 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $5.55 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $5.55 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $5.55 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $5.88 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $5.88 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $5.88 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $5.88 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $5.87 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $5.87 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $5.87 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $5.87 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $5.85 | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $5.85 | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $5.85 | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $5.85 | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $5.82 | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $5.82 | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $5.82 | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $5.82 | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $5.84 | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $5.84 | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $5.81 | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $5.81 | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $5.41 | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $5.41 | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $5.41 | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $5.41 | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $5.76 | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $5.76 | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $5.76 | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $5.76 | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
Where the Colorado rate applies
Colorado is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 485 cities and communities in Colorado. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Acres Green
- Aetna Estates
- Aguilar
- Air Force Academy
- Akron
- Alamosa
- Alamosa East
- Allenspark
95044 billing questions
How many units of 95044 are reported?
Report one unit per separate patch test, not per strip or panel. Document each substance and test site so the unit count can be verified.
Are patch removal and delayed readings billed separately?
No. Removal and readings are part of the patch testing service; routine interpretation of the results does not by itself support a separate E/M.
Can an E/M be billed on the day patches are applied?
Yes, if a significant, separately identifiable evaluation is documented beyond the work associated with testing. Append modifier 25 to the E/M reported on the same date.
Why does 95044 have no physician work RVUs?
CMS values 95044 through practice expense and malpractice RVUs and treats it as an incident-to service billed only when performed under physician supervision. A separate E/M is reported only when its own documentation and service requirements are met.
When should photo patch testing be reported instead?
When patches are used with controlled light exposure to investigate photoallergic contact dermatitis, report the photo patch tests with 95052 rather than 95044.
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
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
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