Summary
Independence Blue Cross Medicare Advantage added face-to-face encounter and written order prior authorization requirements for seven manual wheelchair HCPCS codes (K0002, K0003, K0004, K0005, K0006, K0007, E1161) effective 10/28/2026. The practice must obtain prior authorization before delivering these wheelchairs to members.
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What to do
Action · 6 steps
01Already effective as of 10/28/2026.
02Billing team must obtain prior authorization from Independence Blue Cross Medicare Advantage before scheduling or delivering manual wheelchairs billed with HCPCS codes K0002, K0003, K0004, K0005, K0006, K0007, or E1161 to members.
03Providers must complete a face-to-face encounter and issue a written order prior to delivery; billing team should confirm this documentation is attached to the prior auth request.
04Update the prior auth tracker and charge entry workflows to flag these codes as requiring pre-delivery authorization for Independence Blue Cross Medicare Advantage members.
05Tell providers and front desk staff that manual wheelchair orders for these codes now require prior authorization before scheduling delivery.
06Claims submitted without prior authorization will be denied.
Codes mentioned
K0002K0003K0004K0005K0006K0007E1161
Original notice
MA05.026f, Manual Wheelchairs
medpolicy.ibx.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
Related changes
See all Independence Blue Cross changes →MA05.046l, Wheelchair Options and AccessoriesHighEffective Oct 28, 2026 · Medical Policy05.00.12l, Manual WheelchairsMediumEffective Oct 28, 2026 · Medical Policy05.00.67w, Wheelchair Options and AccessoriesHighEffective Oct 28, 2026 · Medical PolicyMA05.026d, Manual WheelchairsMediumNo effective date · Medical PolicyBrowse every Independence Blue Cross change in the policy list