← Back to list
11.08.05g, Application and Removal of Tattoos
Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross has reissued Policy 11.08.05g confirming its continuing position on tattoo application and removal. No substantive coverage changes were made; the policy maintains coverage for medically necessary therapeutic tattoos (corneal leukoma concealment, radiation therapy marking, breast reconstruction), traumatic tattoo removal, and removal due to medical complications, while excluding cosmetic tattoos. This is a routine reissue for policy maintenance purposes.
Get alerts when payers change rules like this one
We check Independence Blue Cross and other payers every day and email you when a change matches your specialty and state.
Get Independence Blue Cross alertsPolicy Monitoring is free. No card required.
What to do
Action · 8 steps
01No immediate action required.
02This is a routine policy reissue with no substantive coverage changes.
03Billing team should verify that current billing practices align with the confirmed policy positions.
04CPT 11920-11922 and 65600 are billed only when medical necessity criteria are met (therapeutic tattoos for corneal leukoma, radiation therapy marking, or breast reconstruction).
05CPT 15783 is billed only for traumatic tattoo removal, therapeutic tattoo removal related to radiation therapy, or removal due to medical complications (infection, allergic reaction, non-healing ulceration).
06All claims must include documentation of medical necessity in patient medical records.
07Cosmetic tattoo application/removal claims must be denied as non-covered services.
08No system updates or workflow changes are needed.
Codes mentioned
1192011921119226560015783H17.10H17.11H17.12H17.13Q83.0Q83.2T79.8XXAT79.8XXDT79.8XXST79.9XXAT79.9XXD
Original notice
11.08.05g, Application and Removal of Tattoos
medpolicy.ibx.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
Related changes
See all Independence Blue Cross changes →MA11.072, Application and Removal of TattoosLowNo effective date · Medical PolicyMA11.072, Application and Removal of TattoosLowNo effective date · Medical Policy11.08.05g, Application and Removal of TattoosLowNo effective date · Medical Policy11.08.15ae, Reconstructive Breast Surgery and Post-Mastectomy ProsthesesMediumEffective Oct 1, 2026 · Medical PolicyBrowse every Independence Blue Cross change in the policy list