CPT code 95044: Patch testing, each separate patch test2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Maryland
Epicutaneous patch tests assess delayed reactions to substances contacting the skin; report one unit for each separate test performed for suspected allergic contact dermatitis.
Medicare pays $5.04–$5.88 for 95044 in the office in Maryland, from Rest of Maryland to Washington, DC area. Which amount applies depends on the service address.
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
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On this page 9 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.
Where 95044 pays more and less in Maryland
The same RVUs, adjusted for each area’s costs. Open a locality for its calculation, history and nearby areas.
3 payment localities
$5.04 to $5.88
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore area, MD | $5.43 | Unavailable |
| Rest of Maryland | $5.04 | Unavailable |
| Washington, DC area | $5.88 | Unavailable |
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.
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. |
95044 compared with similar codes
Compare codes · National
4 codes, side by side
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.
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
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