Aquaphor and UVB Billing

Question:

Some of our dermatology physicians use Aquaphor as a conductive agent when doing UVB for our psoriasis patients and billing CPT code 96910. We see that Aquaphor is not considered a conductive agent, but we wanted to get your feedback to make sure. Should we use CPT code 96910 or 96912?

Answer:

First, Aquaphor is not a conductive agent.  It is very clear from the CPT guidance that 96910 (photochemotherapy) is reported with tar and ultraviolet B rays (Goeckerman treatment) or petrolatum and ultraviolet B rays. If you use Psolarens, the correct code to report is 96912.   If other substances or no substance is used, you report 96900 (Actinotherapy (ultraviolet light)).  Aquaphor would fall into that category.  

*This response is based on the best information available as of 6/19/25.