What insurance policy changes affect CPT 11446?

There are 12 tracked policy changes affecting CPT 11446, including updates from Blue Shield of California, Humana, Aetna. Each change may modify coverage criteria, reimbursement rates, or prior-authorization requirements.

Which payers have updated policy for CPT 11446?

Payers that have issued tracked updates for CPT 11446 include: Blue Shield of California, Humana, Aetna, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Providence Health Plan, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi.

How do I get notified when CPT 11446 policy changes?

Create a free account at PolicyChanges.app and save a search filtered to CPT 11446. You will receive a daily digest email whenever a new policy change references this code.

Why do payers change policies for CPT 11446?

Payers revise policies for individual billing codes to align with updated clinical guidelines, CMS rule changes, fraud and abuse prevention measures, or network cost-management goals. Changes can affect medical necessity criteria, place-of-service restrictions, bundling rules, or whether a code requires prior authorization.

11446 — Removing a benign skin growth from the face that's larger than four centimeters, including surrounding margin tissue.: Insurance Policy Changes

11446 Insurance Policy Changes

CPT 11446, in plain terms, covers Removing a benign skin growth from the face that's larger than four centimeters, including surrounding margin tissue. CPT 11446 is referenced in 12 tracked payer policy changes from Blue Shield of California, Humana, and 4 other payers. For billers and coders, staying current on payer-specific coverage criteria, reimbursement rules, and prior-authorization requirements for CPT 11446 is critical to clean claim submission. Each entry below links to the full policy analysis with effective dates and action steps.

High impact

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Procedures (BSC7.08)

Blue Shield of California·Effective Sep 1, 2026

Blue Shield of California updated its Cosmetic and Reconstructive Procedures policy (BSC7.08) effective September 1, 2026. The policy clarifies coverage criteria for reconstructive procedures (requiring functional improvement or normalized appearance) versus cosmetic procedures (generally non-covered). Key changes include specific requirements for chest wall deformities (pectus excavatum requiring Haller index ≥3.25 plus functional impairment), expanded guidance on benign skin lesions, and explicit exclusion of certain procedures (breast augmentation, hair transplants, tattoo removal) unless they meet reconstructive criteria or treat medical conditions like HIV-related lipoatrophy.

11446 Insurance Policy Changes

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Procedures (BSC7.08)

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery - Medicare Advantage (Revised)

OfficeLink Updates - October 2025 notices and reminders (PDF)

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Procedures 7.01.11

Special Alert August 2025 - Benign Skin Lesion Removal Billing Guidelines

OfficeLink Updates - August 2025 notices and reminders (PDF)

Special Alert August 2025 - Benign Skin Lesion Removal Billing Guidelines

Actinic Keratoses Treatments (CPB 0567, reviewed 2026-04-10)

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery - Medicare Advantage (Revised)

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery - Medicare Advantage (Revised)

Lymphangioma and Infantile Hemangioma (CPB 0817, reviewed 2025-12-03)

Removal of Benign Skin Lesions and Scars