CommercialBilling CodesMedium impact
11.08.25o, Scar Revision
Independence Blue Cross·Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, General Surgery +1 more·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross removed 8 C-codes (C5271-C5278) from Policy 11.08.25o effective January 1, 2026. These codes are no longer recognized for scar revision procedures under this policy. Billing teams must verify whether these codes are still valid in CPT/HCPCS databases and confirm alternate coding before processing claims on or after the effective date.
Action Required
By December 31, 2025: Billing team must remove or flag C-codes C5271, C5272, C5273, C5274, C5275, C5276, C5277, and C5278 from the billing system's scar revision procedure list in all templates and encounter forms. Confirm with payers whether these codes are completely retired or if alternate coding is required. Update internal billing guidelines to reference only the active CPT codes listed in this policy (0479T, 0480T, 11400, 11401, and others). Beginning January 1, 2026, reject or rework any claim submissions using the deleted C-codes to prevent denials. Train billing and coding staff on the change. Failure to update system rules will result in claim rejections and revenue loss.