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Targeted Phototherapy and Psoralen with Ultraviolet A for Vitiligo
Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Targeted phototherapy is considered investigational for the treatment of vitiligo. PUVA (psoralen plus ultraviolet A) for vitiligo that is not responsive to other forms of conservative therapy, such as topical corticosteroids, coal/tar preparations, and ultraviolet light, may be considered medically necessary. PUVA is generally not recommended for home therapy, and the individual needs to be assessed on a regular basis for effectiveness of the therapy and development of side effects.
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What to do
Action · 5 steps
01Billing team: Claims for PUVA (CPT 96912) for vitiligo need documentation that the vitiligo was not responsive to other forms of conservative therapy, such as topical corticosteroids, coal/tar preparations, and ultraviolet light.
02Targeted phototherapy for vitiligo is considered investigational under this policy, so it should not be billed as medically necessary.
03Providers must document medical necessity, because no payment is made for services that are not documented to be medically necessary.
04Document regular assessments of PUVA effectiveness and side effects.
05For Federal Employee Program members, FDA-approved devices, drugs or biologics may not be considered investigational and may be assessed only on the basis of medical necessity.
Codes mentioned
96912L80N90.89
Original notice
Targeted Phototherapy and Psoralen with Ultraviolet A for Vitiligo
bcbsms.com · Always check the source before changing claims.