UVB Light for Skin Conditions — Eligibility | Cytokind

Thanks for your interest in UVB light for psoriasis

Usually Covered By Insurance

Treat Your Psoriasis at Home — Your Insurance Most Likely Already Covers the Device.

Narrowband UVB is a standard, FDA-cleared treatment for psoriasis — the same technology dermatologists use in-office, in a device sized for your home. It’s typically covered under your durable medical equipment benefit, the same category that covers a CPAP machine. Checking your eligibility below costs nothing and doesn’t commit you to anything.

FDA-Cleared Device · Authorized Phothera Distributor · Featured in Scientific American, June 2025
1

A recognized medical device

Home NB-UVB units carry their own insurance billing codes (E0691–E0694) under your durable medical equipment benefit — the same benefit that covers a CPAP machine.

2

Your insurer needs a paper trail

Coverage hinges on your provider documenting medical necessity — your diagnosis, how much of your body is affected, and what you’ve already tried.

3

We take it from there

Once the completed order reaches us, Cytokind coordinates with Phothera to verify your benefits and get the unit shipped to your door. Home UV treatment for psoriasis isn’t experimental — Kaiser Permanente gave 2,200 patients free at-home devices and now lists it as a recommended treatment.

Confirm your condition

Home phototherapy is prescribed and reimbursed for specific diagnoses. If your provider has given you one of these, you’re in the right place.

We’ve pre-selected this based on the form you just submitted — change it if that’s not right, then continue.

Takes 5 minutes · No payment or commitment required.

Questions people actually ask

Stuck on any of this? Call us directly at +1 603-264-7751, or book a 10-minute call.
Is this really covered, or am I going to get a surprise bill?

Home narrowband UVB is a well-established covered benefit across most commercial plans and Medicare when medical necessity is documented — but coverage is never automatic and never universal. Your specific plan, deductible and co-insurance still apply. We verify your benefits before anything ships.

What if my insurance denies it?

Denials happen, and they’re frequently reversed. The most common reason is thin documentation. You’re not the one who has to fight it — Phothera Cares, Phothera’s patient assistance program, handles claims, prior authorizations and appeals on your behalf.

What if I still can’t afford my share of the cost?

Raise it with us early. Phothera Cares exists specifically to help with out-of-pocket expenses for patients who need therapy but can’t absorb the cost. It’s a separate application requiring a valid prescription, U.S. residency, recent tax or W-2 records, and insurance details. It is not insurance, and eligibility is decided by Phothera at their discretion.

Do I have to have failed other treatments first?

Usually, yes. Most plans expect to see that topicals or in-office phototherapy were tried and were ineffective, not tolerated, or impractical. That’s why your provider’s existing chart notes matter so much.

My doctor has never prescribed one of these. Is that a problem?

No. The form is built to walk them through it, and the printable provider brief answers the questions they’ll have. If they’d like to speak to someone at Cytokind before signing, we’re happy to take that call.

Can this be done entirely remotely?

Yes, as long as your provider already has clinical records on your condition. You fill in your section, save it, email them the link, and they complete, sign and submit electronically. No office visit is required for the paperwork itself.

How long does the whole thing take?

Your section takes about five minutes. After that, timing depends on your provider’s office and your insurer’s authorization process. The single biggest delay we see is incomplete chart notes.

Who is Phothera, and who am I actually buying from?

Phothera manufactures the phototherapy devices. Cytokind is an authorized distributor — we handle the order, the insurance coordination and your support. In most cases your insurer is the payer, not you.

Cytokind

Authorized distributor of Phothera narrowband UVB phototherapy systems

Provider Brief — Home Narrowband UVB Phototherapy

Your patient is requesting a prescription for a home NB-UVB phototherapy device. This page summarizes what is required to complete the order and support reimbursement.

What is being requested

A home narrowband UVB (311–313 nm) phototherapy unit, prescribed for a dermatologic indication and billed under the patient’s durable medical equipment benefit. Devices are manufactured by Phothera and distributed by Cytokind.

Device and diagnosis codes

Device (HCPCS)Common indications (ICD-10)
E0691 — Phothera 200, 2 sq ft (hand & foot)
E0692 — Phothera 400, 4 ft panel
E0693 — Phothera 600, 6 ft panel
E0694 — Phothera 600-3D, 6 ft
L40.9 — Psoriasis
L20.9 — Atopic dermatitis
L80 — Vitiligo
L29.9 — Pruritus
L74.51 — Hyperhidrosis
C84.A3 — Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
F33 — Seasonal affective disorder

What the order form requires from you

  • Provider information, including NPI number.
  • Device selection and diagnosis code.
  • Statement of medical necessity, including affected body surface area and severity (a BSA calculator is built into the form).
  • Previous treatments trialled, and the clinical rationale for home-based therapy.
  • Prescriber signature on the certification statement.

Supporting documentation

Clinical notes, chart notes or medical records documenting medical necessity may be uploaded directly to the form, or faxed alongside the order to 419.636.7916. Incomplete documentation is the most common cause of payer denial.

To complete the order: open the secure form at form.jotform.com/261756968405066, or use the resume link your patient has sent you. The form may be completed and signed electronically — no in-person visit is required.

Reimbursement support

Claims, prior authorizations and appeals on denied cases are handled through Phothera’s patient assistance program, Phothera Cares. Patients facing out-of-pocket barriers may also apply to that program separately; it is not insurance and eligibility is determined by Phothera.

Questions

Cytokind can speak with your office directly regarding device selection, documentation requirements, or benefit verification.

Cytokind, Inc. · 18 Forest Ring Drive, Intervale, NH 03845
+1 603-264-7751 · www.cytokind.net

Phothera narrowband UVB systems are prescription medical devices, FDA-cleared for the dermatologic indications listed above. Insurance coverage varies by plan and is subject to payer review of medical necessity documentation; nothing here constitutes a guarantee of coverage or payment. Cytokind is an authorized distributor of Phothera products; Phothera Cares is operated by Phothera. This document is provided for informational purposes and is not clinical guidance.