What insurance policy changes affect CPT 17106?

There are 12 tracked policy changes affecting CPT 17106, including updates from Humana, Blue Shield of California, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Each change may modify coverage criteria, reimbursement rates, or prior-authorization requirements.

Which payers have updated policy for CPT 17106?

Payers that have issued tracked updates for CPT 17106 include: Humana, Blue Shield of California, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi.

How do I get notified when CPT 17106 policy changes?

Create a free account at PolicyChanges.app and save a search filtered to CPT 17106. You will receive a daily digest email whenever a new policy change references this code.

Why do payers change policies for CPT 17106?

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.

17106 — Removal of a small abnormal blood vessel growth from your skin, less than one square centimeter in size.: Insurance Policy Changes

17106 Insurance Policy Changes

CPT 17106, in plain terms, covers Removal of a small abnormal blood vessel growth from your skin, less than one square centimeter in size. CPT 17106 is referenced in 12 tracked payer policy changes from Humana, Blue Shield of California, and 4 other payers. For billers and coders, staying current on payer-specific coverage criteria, reimbursement rules, and prior-authorization requirements for CPT 17106 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.

17106 Insurance Policy Changes

Cutaneous Vascular Lesion Removal - MEDICAID - KENTUCKY (New)

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Procedures (BSC7.08)

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery - Medicare Advantage (Revised)

Medical policy updates

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Procedures 7.01.11

Cutaneous Vascular Lesion Removal - MEDICAID - KENTUCKY (New)

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery - Medicare Advantage (Revised)

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery - Medicare Advantage (Revised)

Cutaneous Vascular Lesion Removal - MEDICAID - INDIANA (New)

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

Rosacea (CPB 0547, reviewed 2025-08-22)

Removal of Benign Skin Lesions and Scars