CommercialBilling CodesMedium impact
09.00.49o, Proton Beam Radiation Therapy (Independence Administrators)
Independence Blue Cross·Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Neurosurgery +2 more·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Independence Administrators has reissued Proton Beam Radiation Therapy policy 09.00.49o (now superseded by version 09.00.49p) as part of their annual review process. CPT code 77014 has been terminated and removed from the policy effective 01/01/2026. The coverage criteria for medically necessary proton beam therapy remain unchanged, but billing teams must immediately stop using the discontinued code and verify which version (09.00.49p) applies to their contracted groups.
Action Required
By January 1, 2026: Billing team must immediately remove CPT code 77014 from all billing systems, encounter forms, and claim submission protocols for Independence Administrators claims. This code is no longer valid and claims submitted with it will be denied. Verify that your group's contract has NOT enrolled in the UM vendor program—if it has, this policy no longer applies upon your renewal effective date and you must contact Independence Administrators for applicable coverage guidance. Update all proton beam therapy billing references to use only valid CPT codes (77520, 77522, 77523, 77525) and ensure prior authorization processes reference policy version 09.00.49p, not the superseded 09.00.49o. Confirm member benefits before authorizing or billing for proton beam services, as coverage rules vary by group enrollment status.