CommercialBilling CodesMedium impact
11.01.06j, Bone-Anchored (Osseointegrated) Hearing Aids and Implantable Middle Ear Hearing Aids
Independence Blue Cross·Audiology, ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)·Medical Policy
Effective date
May 27, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Independence Blue Cross reissued medical policy 11.01.06j on bone-anchored (osseointegrated) hearing aids and implantable middle ear hearing aids, effective 05/27/2026. Five new CPT codes (0951T, 0952T, 0953T, 0954T, 0955T) were added to the Experimental/Investigational section as of 07/01/2025, meaning these codes are not covered. The policy clarifies that bone-anchored hearing aids remain medically necessary for qualifying patients with conductive/mixed hearing loss or single-sided sensorineural deafness, while implantable middle ear hearing aids remain experimental and non-covered.
Action Required
Before 05/27/2026: Billing and coding teams must update claim editing systems and denial logic to classify CPT codes 0951T, 0952T, 0953T, 0954T, and 0955T as experimental/investigational and non-covered under Independence Blue Cross commercial plans. Update internal code reference documentation to reflect these five codes are moved from investigational to denied status. Configure billing software to deny any claims submitted with these codes and generate automated denial notices to providers citing experimental/investigational exclusion. Audit current claim inventory for any pending or recently paid claims using these codes and take corrective action. Train billing staff to communicate to audiology providers that these codes are not billable to Independence Blue Cross commercial members effective 05/27/2026.