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11.08.06l, Panniculectomy, Abdominoplasty, Abdominal Lipectomy, and Other Excisions of Redundant Skin
Effective date
Dec 29, 2025
Identified
Oct 29, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross reissued medical policy 11.08.06l on 10/28/2026 with no substantive changes to panniculectomy and redundant skin excision coverage criteria. However, a prior material change effective 12/29/2025 shortened the required waiting period after bariatric surgery from 24 months to 18 months for panniculectomy coverage eligibility. All ICD-10 CM codes were removed from the policy and archived; providers must now report the most appropriate diagnosis code supporting medical necessity criteria.
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What to do
Action · 4 steps
01Already effective 12/29/2025: Verify the practice has implemented the shortened 18-month (previously 24-month) waiting period requirement after bariatric surgery before approving panniculectomy claims under IBC Commercial coverage.
02Billing team should confirm current applicability for active patient cases and update internal clinical review guidelines if not already done.
03For all panniculectomy and redundant skin excision claims (CPT 15830-15838), ensure appropriate ICD-10 diagnosis codes are reported in support of the medically necessary criteria listed in the policy (hanging panniculus to/below pubis, chronic symptoms, failed conservative treatment, ADL interference, and applicable post-bariatric weight stability/timing requirements).
04Do not rely on archived ICD-10 code attachments; reference the policy criteria directly to support code selection.
Codes mentioned
1583015832158331583415835158361583715838
Original notice
11.08.06l, Panniculectomy, Abdominoplasty, Abdominal Lipectomy, and Other Excisions of Redundant Skin
medpolicy.ibx.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
Related changes
See all Independence Blue Cross changes →MA11.073f, Panniculectomy, Abdominoplasty, Abdominal Lipectomy, and Other Excisions of Redundant SkinMediumEffective Dec 29, 2025 · Medical PolicyMA11.073f, Panniculectomy, Abdominoplasty, Abdominal Lipectomy, and Other Excisions of Redundant SkinHighEffective Dec 29, 2025 · Medical Policy11.08.06l, Panniculectomy, Abdominoplasty, Abdominal Lipectomy, and Other Excisions of Redundant SkinMediumEffective Dec 29, 2025 · Medical PolicyMA11.070d, Lipectomy and LiposuctionLowNo effective date · Medical PolicyBrowse every Independence Blue Cross change in the policy list