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11.08.01h, Hair Transplants and Cranial Prostheses (Wigs)
Effective date
Oct 1, 2024
Identified
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross updated ICD-10 coding for cicatricial alopecia conditions, replacing L66.8 with more specific codes L66.81 (central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia) and L66.89 (other cicatricial alopecia), effective 10/01/2024. The policy reissued 08/06/2025 reaffirms existing coverage for hair transplants and wigs with no changes to medical necessity criteria, billing codes, or benefit application requirements.
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What to do
Action · 3 steps
01Billing team must update coding systems to replace ICD-10 code L66.8 with the new specific codes L66.81 (central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia) or L66.89 (other cicatricial alopecia) for all claims submitted on or after 10/01/2024.
02Verify provider documentation specifies which type of cicatricial alopecia is present to select the appropriate L66.81 or L66.89 code.
03No changes needed for CPT codes 15775/15776 (hair transplants) or HCPCS code A9282 (wigs), or for prior authorization and documentation requirements.
Codes mentioned
1577515776A9282L66.81L66.89
Original notice
11.08.01h, Hair Transplants and Cranial Prostheses (Wigs)
medpolicy.ibx.com · Always check the source before changing claims.