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MA05.046l, Wheelchair Options and Accessories
Effective date
Oct 28, 2026
Identified
Nov 3, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross Medicare Advantage added Face-to-Face Encounter and Written Order Prior to Delivery and/or Prior Authorization requirements to eight wheelchair and wheelchair accessory HCPCS codes (E1161, K0002, K0003, K0004, K0005, K0006, K0007, K0831) effective 10/28/2026. The practice must obtain prior authorization before delivering these items to IBC MA members.
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What to do
Action · 3 steps
01Already effective 10/28/2026: Update charge entry and claim edits to require prior authorization for HCPCS codes E1161, K0002, K0003, K0004, K0005, K0006, K0007, and K0831 for Independence Blue Cross Medicare Advantage members.
02Tell providers and suppliers that a Face-to-Face Encounter and Written Order must be completed before delivery of these wheelchair items, and that prior authorization from IBC MA must be obtained in advance—claims without prior authorization will be denied.
03Update the prior authorization tracker to flag all requests for these codes as requiring approval before scheduling or delivery.
Codes mentioned
E1161K0002K0003K0004K0005K0006K0007K0831
Original notice
MA05.046l, Wheelchair Options and Accessories
medpolicy.ibx.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
Related changes
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