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11.08.05g, Application and Removal of Tattoos
Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
This is a reissue of Independence Blue Cross policy 11.08.05g on tattoo application and removal with no substantive changes to coverage criteria. The policy continues to cover 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. Billing teams should verify this reissue does not affect current claim processing, as coverage determinations remain unchanged from prior versions.
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What to do
Action · 6 steps
01No immediate action required.
02This is a routine reissue communicating the Company's continuing position with no coverage changes.
03Billing team should retain current claim processing guidelines for tattoo application and removal services.
04Verify that claims are still being evaluated against the three covered categories: (1) therapeutic tattoos for corneal leukoma, radiation therapy marking, or breast reconstruction; (2) traumatic tattoo removal; and (3) removal due to medical complications refractory to standard treatment.
05Continue to deny claims for cosmetic tattoo application or removal, nontherapeutic tattoos, and unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes.
06Self-funded groups should have their individual benefits verified per plan terms.
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
Related policy hubs
Independence Blue Cross policiesPA policy changesPlastic SurgeryOphthalmologyDermatologyOncologyRadiation OncologyGeneral SurgeryCode 11920Code 11921Code 11922Code 65600Code 15783Code H17.10Code H17.11Code H17.12Code H17.13Code Q83.0Code Q83.2Code T79.8XXACode T79.8XXDCode T79.8XXSCode T79.9XXACode T79.9XXD