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Independence Blue CrossMedicare Advantage · Billing Codes · Medical Policy · Physical Therapy, PM&R (Physical Medicine & Rehab), Occupational TherapyHigh impact

MA05.023e, Wheelchair Cushions and Seating

Effective date
Nov 16, 2026
Identified
Oct 29, 2026

Summary

Independence Blue Cross MA05.023e adds new billing requirements effective 11/16/2026 that restrict unbundling of wheelchair cushion and seating codes. Codes E1033 and E1034 cannot be billed together with specific positioning accessory codes (E0953, E0955, E0956, E0957, E0960) and cannot be used for mounting hardware. Billing teams must update claim submission logic to enforce these code-combination restrictions.

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What to do

Action · 5 steps
01By 11/16/2026: Billing team must update billing system edits and claim submission software to prevent bundling violations for Independence Blue Cross Medicare Advantage claims.
02Configure system to block submission of E1033 when billed with E0953, E0956, E0957, or E0960 on the same claim.
03Configure system to block submission of E1034 when billed with E0953, E0955, E0957, or E0960 on the same claim.
04Add documentation requirement that E1033 and E1034 cannot be used for mounting hardware related to wheelchair cushion or back cushion codes.
05Verify claim denial logic is in place to reject violations before submission.
If missed: Failure to implement may result in claim denials and payment delays on wheelchair seating and cushion orders.

Codes mentioned

E1033E1034E0953E0956E0957E0960E0955

Original notice

MA05.023e, Wheelchair Cushions and Seating
medpolicy.ibx.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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Related changes

See all Independence Blue Cross changes →
MA05.046k, Wheelchair Options and AccessoriesHighEffective Jun 8, 2026 · Medical Policy05.00.67v, Wheelchair Options and AccessoriesHighEffective Jun 8, 2026 · Medical PolicyMA05.023d, Wheelchair Cushions and SeatingMediumEffective Apr 1, 2025 · Medical PolicyMA05.046j, Wheelchair Options and AccessoriesMediumEffective Apr 1, 2025 · Medical PolicyBrowse every Independence Blue Cross change in the policy list

Related policy hubs

Independence Blue Cross policiesPhysical TherapyPM&R (Physical Medicine & Rehab)Occupational TherapyCode E1033Code E1034Code E0953Code E0956Code E0957Code E0960Code E0955

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