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CPT code 96921: Excimer laser, 250–500 square centimeters2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Los Angeles, CA

Targeted excimer laser treatment for psoriasis is reported when the total skin area treated in a session measures 250–500 square centimeters.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality21.4K Medicare services in 2024

In Los Angeles, CA, Medicare pays $170.18 for 96921 in the office and $50.45 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$170.18Office (non-facility)
$50.45Hospital or facility
+15.0%vs the national office rate ($147.97)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 96921 nationwide

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

We’ll open 96921 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Los Angeles, CA
  2. What 96921 covers
  3. Compared with other areas
  4. Rate map
  5. How it’s calculated
  6. Payment rules
  7. Related codes
  8. Rate history
  9. Where it applies
  10. Billing questions
  11. Sources

What 96921 covers

This service uses an excimer laser to deliver targeted ultraviolet light to psoriasis plaques, limiting exposure of surrounding uninvolved skin. Dermatologists and other qualified practitioners typically perform the treatment in an office setting. The treated area may include plaques on one or more body sites; the code level is based on the total area treated, not the number of plaques or body regions.

Select 96921 when the session’s total treated area is 250–500 square centimeters. Document the psoriasis diagnosis, sites treated, area measurement, and treatment performed. This code has a 0-day global period, so same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included. When multiple procedures are performed in the same session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and the others at 50%. Modifier 50 is inappropriate for this area-based service. CMS does not pay an assistant at surgery; co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.

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 Los Angeles, CA compares for 96921

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 96921 runs from $130.79 in Arkansas to $202.40 in San Benito County, CA. Los Angeles, CA pays $170.18. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

96921 in Los Angeles, CA vs other payment areas
  1. Los Angeles, CA · this page$170.18
  2. Bakersfield, CA · California$159.26−$10.92
  3. Chico, CA · California$159.10−$11.08
  4. El Centro, CA · California$159.11−$11.07
  5. Fresno, CA · California$159.10−$11.08
  6. Hanford, CA · California$159.10−$11.08
  7. Madera, CA · California$159.10−$11.08

Other areas in California first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

96921 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
Merced, CACalifornia$159.10$48.18
Modesto, CACalifornia$159.10$48.18
Napa, CACalifornia$186.44$53.05
Oxnard, CACalifornia$169.62$50.00
Redding, CACalifornia$159.10$48.18
Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia$159.10$48.18
Riverside, CACalifornia$159.55$48.63
Sacramento, CACalifornia$167.51$49.81

96921 rates by state

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

MEWIVTNHMTNDMNMINYMARIWAIDWYSDIAILINOHPANJCTORNVUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDECAAZNMKSOKARTNNCSCDCTXLAMSALGAFLAKHI

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.

$130.79

$180.75

Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.

View every state and territory as a table
96921 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$169.681
AL$132.731
AR$130.791
AZ$144.141
CA$159.10–$202.4029
CO$155.531
CT$157.861
DC$170.571
DE$146.571
FL$143.48–$154.823
GA$135.56–$150.202
GU$163.471
HI$163.471
IA$137.201
ID$137.881
IL$138.52–$152.374
IN$138.721
KS$136.051
KY$134.841
LA$134.43–$141.232
MA$154.38–$171.772
MD$149.56–$170.573
ME$138.08–$146.422
MI$137.94–$144.782
MN$150.431
MO$131.75–$142.343
MS$131.321
MT$147.961
NC$139.631
ND$147.171
NE$138.111
NH$152.611
NJ$160.06–$168.672
NM$138.501
NV$147.861
NY$141.71–$173.155
OH$137.781
OK$135.121
OR$147.10–$161.112
PA$138.28–$153.562
PR$149.241
RI$152.251
SC$138.861
SD$147.081
TN$136.681
TX$137.32–$154.678
UT$140.801
VA$145.58–$170.572
VI$149.241
VT$146.131
WA$154.24–$175.802
WI$142.121
WV$133.181
WY$147.621

See 96921 in every payment locality

How the 96921 rate is calculated

Each of 96921’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 · 96921

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work0.88

0.88 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense3.51

3.51 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.04

0.04 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

4.4300

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$147.97

Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.

The exact Los Angeles, CA inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

12,831

Code
96921
Physician work
0.88
Practice expense
3.51
Malpractice
0.04

GPCI2026.csv

13

Locality
Los Angeles, CA
Physician work
1.041
Practice expense
1.183
Malpractice
0.664
Office calculation for 96921 in Los Angeles, CA
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work0.88× 1.0410.9161
Practice expense3.51× 1.1834.1523
Malpractice0.04× 0.6640.0266
Total RVUs5.0950
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Los Angeles, CA$170.18

Office: (0.88 × 1.041 + 3.51 × 1.183 + 0.04 × 0.664) × $33.4009 = $170.18

Facility: (0.88 × 1.041 + 0.48 × 1.183 + 0.04 × 0.664) × $33.4009 = $50.45

Open 96921 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 96921

The CMS indicators that decide how 96921 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 96921

Excimer laser, 250–500 square centimeters

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global period000Same-day global: pre- and post-op care on the day of the procedure is included.
Multiple procedures2Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%.
Bilateral (modifier 50)0The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply.
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)1Not paid (statutory restriction).
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical0Physician service: no professional/technical split.

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier 51 · payment effect

With and without the modifier

96921 without 51 · national office

$147.97

Excimer laser, 250–500 square centimeters

96921-51 · Second procedure: 50%

$73.99

When this isn’t the highest-valued procedure in the session, Medicare pays 50% of its fee schedule amount (the highest is paid at 100%).

When to use modifier 51

Codes related to 96921

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

Codes related to 96921
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Los Angeles, CA
Same family
96920Excimer laser, under 250 sq cmSame excimer laser psoriasis treatment family; used for a smaller total treated area.$158.65
96922Excimer laser, more than 500 sq cmSame excimer laser psoriasis treatment family; used for a larger total treated area.$202.06
Used instead
96910Phototherapy, tar or petrolatum with UVBPhototherapy option for psoriasis using tar or petrolatum with UVB rather than targeted excimer laser.$135.58
96912PUVA therapy, psoralen plus UVAPUVA photochemotherapy option for psoriasis, using a different treatment method.$114.64

How 96921 has changed in Los Angeles, CA

96921 · Office / nonfacility

$170.18

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $0.69 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $169.49 to $170.18 (0.4%).

It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.

Base rate by release · bars start at $0 · select a bar to compare

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

  1. January 1, 2026

    RVU26A

    $169.49changed to$170.18

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 0.90 changed to 0.88
    • Practice expense RVU 3.58 changed to 3.51
    • Work GPCI 1.042 changed to 1.041
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.194 changed to 1.183
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.690 changed to 0.664

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $195.91changed to$169.49

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Work RVU 1.30 changed to 0.90
    • Practice expense RVU 3.76 changed to 3.58
    • Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.04

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $192.71changed to$195.91

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $198.90changed to$192.71

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 3.77 changed to 3.76
    • Work GPCI 1.045 changed to 1.042
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.185 changed to 1.194
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.724 changed to 0.690

  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $200.94changed to$198.90

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 3.75 changed to 3.77
    • Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.06
    • Work GPCI 1.048 changed to 1.045
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.175 changed to 1.185
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.757 changed to 0.724

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $206.71changed to$200.94

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 3.85 changed to 3.75

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $207.46changed to$206.71

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 3.70 changed to 3.85
    • Work GPCI 1.047 changed to 1.048
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.176 changed to 1.175
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.725 changed to 0.757

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $208.55changed to$207.46

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 3.72 changed to 3.70
    • Malpractice RVU 0.07 changed to 0.05
    • Work GPCI 1.046 changed to 1.047
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.177 changed to 1.176
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.694 changed to 0.725

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $209.59changed to$208.55

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 3.75 changed to 3.72

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $197.28changed to$209.59

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 3.49 changed to 3.75
    • Work GPCI 1.047 changed to 1.046
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.169 changed to 1.177
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.801 changed to 0.694

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $194.93changed to$197.28

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 3.47 changed to 3.49
    • Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.07
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.161 changed to 1.169
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.908 changed to 0.801

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $195.72changed to$194.93

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 3.48 changed to 3.47
    • Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.06

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $194.75changed to$195.72

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $189.85changed to$194.75

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 3.38 changed to 3.48
    • Malpractice RVU 0.04 changed to 0.05
    • Work GPCI 1.042 changed to 1.047
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.158 changed to 1.161
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.775 changed to 0.908

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $195.50changed to$189.85

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 3.79 changed to 3.38
    • Work GPCI 1.036 changed to 1.042
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.154 changed to 1.158
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.642 changed to 0.775

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. October 1, 2013

    RVU13D

    No ratechanged to$195.50

  17. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: No rate

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$170.18$50.45RVU26D
2026-07-01$170.18$50.45RVU26C
2026-04-01$170.18$50.45RVU26B
2026-01-01$170.18$50.45RVU26A
2025-10-01$169.49$61.74RVU25D
2025-07-01$169.49$61.74RVU25C
2025-04-01$169.49$61.74RVU25B
2025-01-01$169.49$61.74RVU25A
2024-10-01$195.91$77.07RVU24D
2024-07-01$195.91$77.07RVU24C
2024-04-01$195.91$77.07RVU24B
2024-03-09$195.91$77.07RVU24AR
2024-01-01$192.71$75.82RVU24A
2023-10-01$198.90$78.03RVU23D
2023-07-01$198.90$78.03RVU23C
2023-04-01$198.90$78.03RVU23B
2023-01-01$198.90$78.03RVU23A
2022-10-01$200.94$78.55RVU22D
2022-07-01$200.94$78.55RVU22C
2022-04-01$200.94$78.55RVU22B
2022-01-01$200.94$78.55RVU22A
2021-10-01$206.71$79.20RVU21D
2021-07-01$206.71$79.20RVU21C
2021-04-01$206.71$79.20RVU21B
2021-01-01$206.71$79.20RVU21A
2020-10-01$207.46$82.69RVU20D
2020-07-01$207.46$82.69RVU20C
2020-04-01$207.46$82.69RVU20B
2020-01-01$207.46$82.69RVU20A
2019-10-01$208.55$83.42RVU19D
2019-07-01$208.55$83.42RVU19C
2019-04-01$208.55$83.42RVU19B
2019-01-01$208.55$83.42RVU19A
2018-10-01$209.59$83.75RVU18D
2018-07-01$209.59$83.75RVU18C
2018-04-01$209.59$83.75RVU18B
2018-01-01$209.59$83.75RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$197.28$84.42RVU17D
2017-07-01$197.28$84.42RVU17C
2017-04-01$197.28$84.42RVU17B
2017-01-01$197.28$84.42RVU17A
2016-10-01$194.93$83.52RVU16D
2016-07-01$194.93$83.52RVU16C
2016-04-01$194.93$83.52RVU16B
2016-01-01$194.93$83.52RVU16A
2015-10-01$195.72$83.50RVU15D
2015-07-01$195.72$83.50RVU15C
2015-04-01$194.75$83.08RVU15B
2015-01-01$194.75$83.08RVU15A
2014-10-01$189.85$81.58RVU14D
2014-07-01$189.85$81.58RVU14C
2014-04-01$189.85$81.58RVU14B
2014-01-01$189.85$81.58RVU14A
2013-10-01$195.50$80.07RVU13D
2013-07-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13C
2013-04-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13B
2013-01-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13AR

Price 96921 for an earlier date of service

Where the Los Angeles, CA rate applies

Los Angeles, CA is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 189 cities and communities in California. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Anaheim
  • Long Beach
  • Los Angeles
  • Orange
  • Acton
  • Agoura Hills
  • Agua Dulce
  • Alhambra

Browse all communities in California

96921 billing questions

How is 96921 distinguished from 96920 and 96922?

Choose the level by the total skin area treated during the session: 96921 covers 250–500 square centimeters. The neighboring codes cover smaller and larger treatment areas.

Should separate plaques be reported as separate units?

Select the code using the total treated area across the session, rather than counting plaques or body sites as units. Document how the treated area was determined.

Can modifier 50 be used when plaques are treated on both sides of the body?

No. The code is selected by total treated area, and CMS identifies bilateral adjustment as inappropriate for this service.

What same-day care is included in the global period?

The 0-day global period includes same-day preoperative and postoperative care. CMS applies the multiple procedure reduction when other procedures are performed in the same session.

What documentation supports reporting 96921?

Record the psoriasis diagnosis, body sites treated, total area treated in square centimeters, and the excimer laser treatment 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

Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
RVUs for 96921PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 12,831 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for Los Angeles, CAGPCI2026.csv, line 13 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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