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MA11.073f, Panniculectomy, Abdominoplasty, Abdominal Lipectomy, and Other Excisions of Redundant Skin
Effective date
Dec 29, 2025
Identified
Oct 29, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross reissued MA11.073f on 10/28/2026 with no changes to the current policy, which has been effective since 12/29/2025. Key prior changes (effective 12/29/2025) include: bariatric surgery waiting period reduced from 24 to 18 months, chronic pain removed as a required indication for panniculectomy/abdominal lipectomy, abdominoplasty now covered when performed with panniculectomy or abdominal lipectomy, and ICD-10 diagnosis codes updated with five specific codes now listed as medically necessary. Billing teams should verify current applicability of the 12/29/2025 policy changes if not yet implemented.
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What to do
Action · 6 steps
01Already effective 12/29/2025: Verify whether the practice has implemented the following source-backed policy changes for Independence Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plans.
02Update billing system to recognize 18-month waiting period after bariatric surgery (reduced from 24 months) for panniculectomy eligibility.
03Remove chronic pain as a required indication for panniculectomy and abdominal lipectomy coverage determinations.
04Add abdominoplasty as medically necessary when performed in conjunction with panniculectomy or abdominal lipectomy on the same day.
05Ensure claims for panniculectomy or abdominal lipectomy (CPT 15830) are submitted with one of the five medically necessary ICD-10 diagnosis codes: L98.7, M79.3 (principal diagnosis) or L30.4, R26.2, Z74.09 (secondary diagnosis).
06Confirm current applicability with your billing software vendor and Independence Blue Cross before processing claims, as this policy has been in effect for nearly 10 months.
Codes mentioned
1583015832158331583415835158361583715838L98.7M79.3L30.4R26.2Z74.09
Original notice
MA11.073f, 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 SkinHighEffective Dec 29, 2025 · Medical Policy11.08.06l, Panniculectomy, Abdominoplasty, Abdominal Lipectomy, and Other Excisions of Redundant SkinMediumEffective 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