AetnaAll Plans · Coverage · Medical Policy · Dermatology, General Surgery, UrologyMedium impact
Laser Treatment for Psoriasis and Other Selected Skin Conditions (CPB 0577, reviewed 2026-07-15)
Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Aug 18, 2026
Summary
Aetna considers excimer and pulsed dye laser treatment medically necessary for persons with mild-to-moderate localized plaque psoriasis affecting 10% or less of body area who have failed to adequately respond to 3 or more months of topical treatments, including at least 3 of the listed agents. No more than 13 laser treatments per course and 3 courses per year are generally considered medically necessary, and additional courses are not considered medically necessary if the person fails to respond to an initial course, as documented by a reduction in PASI score or other objective response measurement. The policy also covers laser hair removal for recurrent pilonidal cyst, laser treatment for acne keloidalis nuchae and penile intraepithelial neoplasia, and Nd:YAG laser for hidradenitis suppurativa. Combined pulsed dye laser and UVB for localized plaque psoriasis, and excimer or pulsed dye laser for psoriasis other than plaque psoriasis, are considered experimental, investigational or unproven, as is laser treatment for the other listed skin conditions. Laser treatment for acne scarring, keratosis pilaris, pearly penile papules and rhinophyma is considered cosmetic.
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01Billing team: Before billing excimer or pulsed dye laser for plaque psoriasis, confirm the patient has mild-to-moderate localized plaque psoriasis affecting 10% or less of body area and has failed 3 or more months of topical treatments, including at least 3 of the listed agents.
02Limit laser treatments to no more than 13 per course and 3 courses per year.
03Do not bill additional courses after the patient fails to respond to an initial course, as documented by a reduction in PASI score or other objective response measurement.
04Do not bill the experimental, investigational or unproven uses listed in the policy, or the cosmetic uses listed in the policy.
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