Medicare AdvantageCoverageMedium impact
MA00.012d, Cast and Splint Applications and Associated Supplies
Independence Blue Cross·Orthopedics, Emergency Medicine, General Surgery +3 more·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jun 29, 2026
We identified it
Jun 30, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross Medicare Advantage policy MA00.012d has been updated to remove walking aids from cast and splint coverage and clarify reimbursement rules. Walking aids coverage is now directed to policy MA05.044 (DME). The policy maintains that cast/splint applications are not separately reimbursable during post-operative fracture care periods, but may be reimbursable when performed by different providers.
Action Required
By June 29, 2026: (1) Billing team must redirect all walking aids claims to policy MA05.044 instead of MA00.012d; update billing system routing and documentation templates accordingly. (2) Providers must document which professional performed initial fracture repair procedures; claims for cast reapplication, removal, or repair by the same provider will be denied separately and must be included in the global allowance. (3) When different providers perform cast reapplication/removal/repair, ensure claims are submitted separately with documentation of the different provider performing the service. (4) Stop billing general codes A4570, A4580, and A4590 for cast supplies; reference Attachment A for covered specific supply codes. Claims using these general codes will be denied. (5) Verify all cast/splint associated supplies in system match Attachment A covered list before submission.