CommercialCoverageHigh impact
12.06.00, Site of Care for Elective Procedures [Hospital Outpatient Setting to Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC)]
Independence Blue Cross·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jun 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
A new policy has been introduced requiring certain elective procedures to be performed at Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) instead of hospital outpatient settings. This policy will affect site-of-care authorization and billing for elective procedures starting June 1, 2026.
Action Required
Before June 1, 2026: Billing team must update authorization processes to ensure elective procedures are scheduled at ASCs instead of hospital outpatient settings when required by this policy. Update scheduling protocols and verify ASC network participation. Review full policy details at the provided URL to identify specific procedures affected. Failure to comply may result in claim denials or coverage issues.