CommercialBilling CodesMedium impact
11.01.06j, Bone-Anchored (Osseointegrated) Hearing Aids and Implantable Middle Ear Hearing Aids
Independence Blue Cross·Audiology, ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)·Medical Policy
Effective date
May 27, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross reissued Policy 11.01.06j effective 05/27/2026 with a code update adding five new CPT codes (0951T-0955T) to the Experimental/Investigational section for semi- and totally implantable middle ear hearing aids. Bone-anchored (osseointegrated) hearing aids remain covered for qualifying patients with conductive/mixed hearing loss or single-sided sensorineural deafness when medical necessity criteria are met. Implantable middle ear hearing devices remain non-covered experimental procedures.
Action Required
By 05/27/2026: Billing team must update billing system and claims processing software to classify CPT codes 0951T, 0952T, 0953T, 0954T, and 0955T as Experimental/Investigational for all commercial plans. These codes should trigger automatic denial with explanation that services are not covered under Independence Blue Cross commercial medical benefits. Simultaneously, verify that CPT codes 69714, 69716, 69717 remain configured as medically necessary with appropriate medical necessity criteria (pure tone average bone-conduction thresholds, age 5+, specific diagnoses per policy). Update claim submission guidelines and denial templates to reference the 05/27/2026 policy version. Provider staff should be notified that implantable middle ear hearing device claims using the five new codes will be denied as experimental/investigational effective immediately upon that date.