CPT code 95056: Phototesting, skin response to light2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Minnesota
Reports diagnostic skin testing with controlled light exposure to evaluate suspected photosensitivity, such as a light-triggered rash or other photodermatosis.
In Minnesota, Medicare pays $52.78 for 95056 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 95056 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 95056 covers
Phototesting evaluates how skin responds to controlled exposure to ultraviolet or visible light. Dermatologists and clinicians experienced in photodermatology use it when a patient develops a rash or other skin reaction in sun-exposed areas and the cause may be abnormal light sensitivity. The test can help characterize the response to light as part of evaluating a suspected photodermatosis.
Choose this code for direct light-response testing, not for applying allergens and then exposing the test site to light. Document the clinical reason for testing, the light-testing method and exposures performed, and the resulting skin response. CMS identifies this as an incident-to service: it is billed only when performed under physician supervision.
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 Minnesota compares for 95056
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 95056 runs from $44.24 in Arkansas to $74.05 in San Benito County, CA. Minnesota pays $52.78. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Minnesota · this page$52.78
- Los Angeles, CA · California$60.90+$8.12
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$60.94+$8.16
- Miami, FL · Florida$54.89+$2.11
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$52.89+$0.11
- Manhattan, NY · New York$60.44+$7.66
- Alaska · Alaska$54.79+$2.01
Other areas in Minnesota first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $45.09 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $44.24 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $50.09 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $56.42 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $56.37 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $56.37 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $56.37 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $56.37 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $56.37 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $56.37 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $56.37 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $67.69 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $60.82 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $56.37 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $56.37 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $56.58 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $59.79 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $59.59 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $61.48 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $72.36 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $72.34 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $74.05 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $73.96 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $58.56 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $62.45 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $59.94 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $63.11 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $56.37 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $67.66 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $56.37 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $56.37 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $54.90 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $55.85 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $51.09 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $52.98 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $49.86 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $52.72 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $46.38 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $58.49 | — |
| IowaIowa | $47.02 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $47.33 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $48.36 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $47.70 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $53.67 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $47.70 | — |
| KansasKansas | $46.53 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $46.04 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $48.85 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $45.87 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $61.61 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $54.34 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $55.66 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $52.33 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $47.43 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $51.06 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $50.44 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $47.41 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $48.64 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $49.32 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $44.70 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $44.49 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $51.77 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $48.11 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $51.37 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $47.42 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $53.78 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $59.99 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $56.54 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $47.66 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $51.71 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $62.00 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $56.77 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $61.37 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $49.02 | — |
| OhioOhio | $47.33 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $46.15 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $57.27 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $51.37 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $54.00 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $47.54 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $52.32 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $53.39 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $47.79 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $51.33 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $46.81 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $54.66 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $47.12 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $51.16 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $51.47 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $50.97 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $51.30 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $51.66 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $49.10 | — |
| UtahUtah | $48.64 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $50.71 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $52.32 | — |
| VermontVermont | $50.93 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $54.32 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $63.25 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $49.16 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $45.36 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $51.60 | — |
95056 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.
$44.24
$65.21
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 | $54.79 | 1 |
| AL | $45.09 | 1 |
| AR | $44.24 | 1 |
| AZ | $50.09 | 1 |
| CA | $56.37–$74.05 | 29 |
| CO | $54.90 | 1 |
| CT | $55.85 | 1 |
| DC | $60.94 | 1 |
| DE | $51.09 | 1 |
| FL | $49.86–$54.89 | 3 |
| GA | $46.38–$52.72 | 2 |
| GU | $58.49 | 1 |
| HI | $58.49 | 1 |
| IA | $47.02 | 1 |
| ID | $47.33 | 1 |
| IL | $47.70–$53.67 | 4 |
| IN | $47.70 | 1 |
| KS | $46.53 | 1 |
| KY | $46.04 | 1 |
| LA | $45.87–$48.85 | 2 |
| MA | $54.34–$61.61 | 2 |
| MD | $52.33–$60.94 | 3 |
| ME | $47.43–$51.06 | 2 |
| MI | $47.41–$50.44 | 2 |
| MN | $52.78 | 1 |
| MO | $44.70–$49.32 | 3 |
| MS | $44.49 | 1 |
| MT | $51.77 | 1 |
| NC | $48.11 | 1 |
| ND | $51.37 | 1 |
| NE | $47.42 | 1 |
| NH | $53.78 | 1 |
| NJ | $56.54–$59.99 | 2 |
| NM | $47.66 | 1 |
| NV | $51.71 | 1 |
| NY | $49.02–$62.00 | 5 |
| OH | $47.33 | 1 |
| OK | $46.15 | 1 |
| OR | $51.37–$57.27 | 2 |
| PA | $47.54–$54.00 | 2 |
| PR | $52.32 | 1 |
| RI | $53.39 | 1 |
| SC | $47.79 | 1 |
| SD | $51.33 | 1 |
| TN | $46.81 | 1 |
| TX | $47.12–$54.66 | 8 |
| UT | $48.64 | 1 |
| VA | $50.71–$60.94 | 2 |
| VI | $52.32 | 1 |
| VT | $50.93 | 1 |
| WA | $54.32–$63.25 | 2 |
| WI | $49.16 | 1 |
| WV | $45.36 | 1 |
| WY | $51.60 | 1 |
How the 95056 rate is calculated
Each of 95056’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 · 95056
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.00
0.00 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense1.53
1.53 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.02
0.02 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
1.5500
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$51.77
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Minnesota inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
12,466
- Code
- 95056
- Physician work
- 0.00
- Practice expense
- 1.53
- Malpractice
- 0.02
GPCI2026.csv
66
- Locality
- Minnesota
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 1.029
- Malpractice
- 0.296
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.00 | × 1.000 | 0.0000 |
| Practice expense | 1.53 | × 1.029 | 1.5744 |
| Malpractice | 0.02 | × 0.296 | 0.0059 |
| Total RVUs | 1.5803 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Minnesota$52.78
Office: (0 × 1 + 1.53 × 1.029 + 0.02 × 0.296) × $33.4009 = $52.78
Payment rules and modifiers for 95056
The CMS indicators that decide how 95056 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 95056
Phototesting, skin response to light
| 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 95056 has changed in Minnesota
95056 · Office / nonfacility
$52.78
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $0.53 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $52.25 to $52.78 (1.0%).
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
$52.25changed to$52.78
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Practice expense RVU 1.57 changed to 1.53
- Practice expense GPCI 1.025 changed to 1.029
- Malpractice GPCI 0.300 changed to 0.296
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$53.09changed to$52.25
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 1.55 changed to 1.57
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$52.22changed to$53.09
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$52.02changed to$52.22
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 1.50 changed to 1.55
- Practice expense GPCI 1.019 changed to 1.025
- Malpractice GPCI 0.326 changed to 0.300
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$50.60changed to$52.02
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 1.44 changed to 1.50
- Malpractice RVU 0.01 changed to 0.02
- Practice expense GPCI 1.013 changed to 1.019
- Malpractice GPCI 0.353 changed to 0.326
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$49.61changed to$50.60
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 1.40 changed to 1.44
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$47.61changed to$49.61
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 1.30 changed to 1.40
- Practice expense GPCI 1.012 changed to 1.013
- Malpractice GPCI 0.357 changed to 0.353
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$47.26changed to$47.61
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 1.29 changed to 1.30
- Malpractice RVU 0.02 changed to 0.01
- Practice expense GPCI 1.011 changed to 1.012
- Malpractice GPCI 0.362 changed to 0.357
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$46.85changed to$47.26
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 1.28 changed to 1.29
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$45.34changed to$46.85
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 1.24 changed to 1.28
- Malpractice RVU 0.01 changed to 0.02
- Practice expense GPCI 1.016 changed to 1.011
- Malpractice GPCI 0.341 changed to 0.362
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$45.15changed to$45.34
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 1.23 changed to 1.24
- Malpractice RVU 0.02 changed to 0.01
- Practice expense GPCI 1.020 changed to 1.016
- Malpractice GPCI 0.319 changed to 0.341
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$45.56changed to$45.15
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 1.24 changed to 1.23
- Malpractice RVU 0.01 changed to 0.02
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$45.34changed to$45.56
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$43.78changed to$45.34
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 1.20 changed to 1.24
- Practice expense GPCI 1.016 changed to 1.020
- Malpractice GPCI 0.301 changed to 0.319
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$47.61changed to$43.78
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 1.38 changed to 1.20
- Practice expense GPCI 1.012 changed to 1.016
- Malpractice GPCI 0.282 changed to 0.301
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
October 1, 2013
RVU13D
No ratechanged to$47.61
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: No rate
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $52.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $52.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $52.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $52.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $52.25 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $52.25 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $52.25 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $52.25 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $53.09 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $53.09 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $53.09 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $53.09 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $52.22 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $52.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $52.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $52.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $52.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $50.60 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $50.60 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $50.60 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $50.60 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $49.61 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $49.61 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $49.61 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $49.61 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $47.61 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $47.61 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $47.61 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $47.61 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $47.26 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $47.26 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $47.26 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $47.26 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $46.85 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $46.85 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $46.85 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $46.85 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $45.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $45.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $45.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $45.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $45.15 | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $45.15 | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $45.15 | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $45.15 | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $45.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $45.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $45.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $45.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $43.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $43.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $43.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $43.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $47.61 | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
Where the Minnesota rate applies
Minnesota is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 916 cities and communities in Minnesota. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Ada
- Adams
- Adrian
- Afton
- Aitkin
- Akeley
- Albany
- Albert Lea
95056 billing questions
How does phototesting differ from photopatch testing?
Phototesting assesses the skin’s response to light exposure. Photopatch testing (95052) evaluates whether a contact allergen causes a reaction when combined with light exposure.
Can this code be used for ordinary patch testing?
No. Ordinary patch testing for delayed contact reactions is reported with 95044; 95056 is for direct testing of skin response to light.
Who may perform the service for Medicare billing?
CMS identifies 95056 as an incident-to service and permits billing only when it is performed under physician supervision.
What documentation supports reporting 95056?
Document the suspected photosensitivity, why light testing was performed, the testing method and exposures, and the observed skin response.
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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