CPT code 96910: Phototherapy, tar or petrolatum with UVB2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Fresno, CA
Report this service for a dermatologic treatment session combining ultraviolet B exposure with topical tar or petrolatum as the treatment regimen.
In Fresno, CA, Medicare pays $125.56 for 96910 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 96910 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 96910 covers
This service combines ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure with topical tar or petrolatum as part of a dermatologic treatment regimen. It is commonly provided in dermatology practices for conditions such as psoriasis, with the topical agent used alongside the light treatment. The session is generally carried out by dermatology staff as a physician-supervised service.
Report 96910 when the documented treatment uses tar and UVB or petrolatum and UVB; UVB exposure alone or a psoralen-and-UVA regimen represents a different service. Documentation should identify the topical agent and the UVB treatment provided for the session. CMS classifies this as an incident-to service: it is billed only when performed under physician supervision. The CMS physician fee schedule assigns no work RVUs to the service, with practice expense and malpractice RVUs supporting its payment.
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 Fresno, CA compares for 96910
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 96910 runs from $98.47 in Arkansas to $165.08 in San Benito County, CA. Fresno, CA pays $125.56. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Fresno, CA · this page$125.56
- Bakersfield, CA · California$125.60+$0.04
- Chico, CA · California$125.56
- El Centro, CA · California$125.56
- Hanford, CA · California$125.56
- Los Angeles, CA · California$135.58+$10.02
- Madera, CA · California$125.56
Other areas in California first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Merced, CACalifornia | $125.56 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $125.56 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $150.90 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $135.44 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $125.56 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $125.56 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $125.77 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $133.21 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $132.75 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $136.98 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $161.37 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $161.35 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $165.08 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $164.99 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $130.47 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $139.15 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $133.55 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $140.63 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $125.56 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $150.86 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $125.56 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $125.56 | — |
| Washington, DC areaDistrict of Columbia | $135.31 | — |
| Miami, FLFlorida | $120.60 | — |
| Chicago, ILIllinois | $116.34 | — |
| Manhattan, NYNew York | $133.80 | — |
| AlaskaAlaska | $122.02 | — |
| AlabamaAlabama | $100.33 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $98.47 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $111.26 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $122.06 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $123.84 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $113.46 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $116.92 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $110.21 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $116.86 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $102.69 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $130.27 | — |
| IowaIowa | $104.79 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $105.41 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $106.44 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $105.34 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $118.50 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $106.22 | — |
| KansasKansas | $103.60 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $102.16 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $108.25 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $101.73 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $136.99 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $120.82 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $123.40 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $116.22 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $105.51 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $113.62 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $111.36 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $105.05 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $117.74 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $107.92 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $109.42 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $99.12 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $98.85 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $114.90 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $107.00 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $114.50 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $105.69 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $119.50 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $133.22 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $125.47 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $105.55 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $114.90 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $137.06 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $125.89 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $135.98 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $108.99 | — |
| OhioOhio | $104.97 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $102.53 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $127.41 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $114.24 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $119.71 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $105.50 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $116.15 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $118.60 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $106.12 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $114.46 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $104.19 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $121.45 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $104.57 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $113.72 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $114.35 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $113.21 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $113.98 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $114.35 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $109.01 | — |
| UtahUtah | $107.98 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $112.76 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $116.15 | — |
| VermontVermont | $113.43 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $120.79 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $140.71 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $109.64 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $100.22 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $114.73 | — |
96910 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.
$98.47
$145.32
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 | $122.02 | 1 |
| AL | $100.33 | 1 |
| AR | $98.47 | 1 |
| AZ | $111.26 | 1 |
| CA | $125.56–$165.08 | 29 |
| CO | $122.06 | 1 |
| CT | $123.84 | 1 |
| DC | $135.31 | 1 |
| DE | $113.46 | 1 |
| FL | $110.21–$120.60 | 3 |
| GA | $102.69–$116.86 | 2 |
| GU | $130.27 | 1 |
| HI | $130.27 | 1 |
| IA | $104.79 | 1 |
| ID | $105.41 | 1 |
| IL | $105.34–$118.50 | 4 |
| IN | $106.22 | 1 |
| KS | $103.60 | 1 |
| KY | $102.16 | 1 |
| LA | $101.73–$108.25 | 2 |
| MA | $120.82–$136.99 | 2 |
| MD | $116.22–$135.31 | 3 |
| ME | $105.51–$113.62 | 2 |
| MI | $105.05–$111.36 | 2 |
| MN | $117.74 | 1 |
| MO | $99.12–$109.42 | 3 |
| MS | $98.85 | 1 |
| MT | $114.90 | 1 |
| NC | $107.00 | 1 |
| ND | $114.50 | 1 |
| NE | $105.69 | 1 |
| NH | $119.50 | 1 |
| NJ | $125.47–$133.22 | 2 |
| NM | $105.55 | 1 |
| NV | $114.90 | 1 |
| NY | $108.99–$137.06 | 5 |
| OH | $104.97 | 1 |
| OK | $102.53 | 1 |
| OR | $114.24–$127.41 | 2 |
| PA | $105.50–$119.71 | 2 |
| PR | $116.15 | 1 |
| RI | $118.60 | 1 |
| SC | $106.12 | 1 |
| SD | $114.46 | 1 |
| TN | $104.19 | 1 |
| TX | $104.57–$121.45 | 8 |
| UT | $107.98 | 1 |
| VA | $112.76–$135.31 | 2 |
| VI | $116.15 | 1 |
| VT | $113.43 | 1 |
| WA | $120.79–$140.71 | 2 |
| WI | $109.64 | 1 |
| WV | $100.22 | 1 |
| WY | $114.73 | 1 |
How the 96910 rate is calculated
Each of 96910’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 · 96910
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.00
0.00 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense3.42
3.42 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.02
0.02 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
3.4400
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$114.90
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Fresno, CA inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
12,827
- Code
- 96910
- Physician work
- 0.00
- Practice expense
- 3.42
- Malpractice
- 0.02
GPCI2026.csv
11
- Locality
- Fresno, CA
- Physician work
- 1.017
- Practice expense
- 1.096
- Malpractice
- 0.536
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.00 | × 1.017 | 0.0000 |
| Practice expense | 3.42 | × 1.096 | 3.7483 |
| Malpractice | 0.02 | × 0.536 | 0.0107 |
| Total RVUs | 3.7590 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Fresno, CA$125.56
Office: (0 × 1.017 + 3.42 × 1.096 + 0.02 × 0.536) × $33.4009 = $125.56
Payment rules and modifiers for 96910
The CMS indicators that decide how 96910 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 96910
Phototherapy, tar or petrolatum with UVB
| 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 96910 has changed in Fresno, CA
96910 · Office / nonfacility
$125.56
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $1.81 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $123.75 to $125.56 (1.5%).
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
$123.75changed to$125.56
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Practice expense RVU 3.49 changed to 3.42
- Work GPCI 1.014 changed to 1.017
- Practice expense GPCI 1.093 changed to 1.096
- Malpractice GPCI 0.560 changed to 0.536
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$129.17changed to$123.75
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 3.54 changed to 3.49
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$127.06changed to$129.17
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$128.73changed to$127.06
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 3.51 changed to 3.54
- Work GPCI 1.021 changed to 1.014
- Practice expense GPCI 1.079 changed to 1.093
- Malpractice GPCI 0.579 changed to 0.560
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$128.67changed to$128.73
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 3.48 changed to 3.51
- Work GPCI 1.027 changed to 1.021
- Practice expense GPCI 1.065 changed to 1.079
- Malpractice GPCI 0.597 changed to 0.579
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$129.74changed to$128.67
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$126.31changed to$129.74
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 3.26 changed to 3.48
- Work GPCI 1.024 changed to 1.027
- Practice expense GPCI 1.070 changed to 1.065
- Malpractice GPCI 0.580 changed to 0.597
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$125.04changed to$126.31
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 3.22 changed to 3.26
- Work GPCI 1.020 changed to 1.024
- Practice expense GPCI 1.074 changed to 1.070
- Malpractice GPCI 0.562 changed to 0.580
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$123.74changed to$125.04
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 3.19 changed to 3.22
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$77.67changed to$123.74
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 2.00 changed to 3.19
- Malpractice RVU 0.01 changed to 0.02
- Work GPCI 1.024 changed to 1.020
- Practice expense GPCI 1.079 changed to 1.074
- Malpractice GPCI 0.610 changed to 0.562
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
No ratechanged to$77.67
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: No rate
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D, RVU14A, RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D, RVU15A, RVU15B, RVU15C, RVU15D, RVU16A, RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $125.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $125.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $125.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $125.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $123.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $123.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $123.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $123.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $129.17 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $129.17 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $129.17 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $129.17 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $127.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $128.73 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $128.73 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $128.73 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $128.73 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $128.67 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $128.67 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $128.67 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $128.67 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $129.74 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $129.74 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $129.74 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $129.74 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $126.31 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $126.31 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $126.31 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $126.31 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $125.04 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $125.04 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $125.04 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $125.04 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $123.74 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $123.74 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $123.74 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $123.74 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $77.67 | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $77.67 | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $77.67 | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $77.67 | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | 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 Fresno, CA rate applies
Fresno, CA is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 45 cities and communities in California. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Fresno
- Auberry
- Big Creek
- Biola
- Bowles
- Calwa
- Cantua Creek
- Caruthers
96910 billing questions
When should 96910 be chosen instead of 96900?
Use 96910 for a regimen combining UVB with topical tar or petrolatum. Code 96900 describes UV light treatment without that combination.
How does 96910 differ from PUVA treatment?
Code 96910 involves tar or petrolatum with UVB. Code 96912 is for photochemotherapy using psoralens with UVA.
What documentation supports reporting 96910?
Document the topical agent used and the UVB treatment delivered during the session. The record should support that the treatment was performed under physician supervision.
Can this service be billed when performed by clinic staff?
Yes, when it is performed under physician supervision.
Is 96910 reported for each topical application or for the treatment session?
The service represents the combined treatment session, not a separate report for each topical application.
How does 96910 differ from 96913?
Code 96910 identifies the tar-or-petrolatum and UVB regimen. Code 96913 is for photochemotherapy used to treat severe dermatoses.
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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