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Independence Blue CrossMedicare Advantage · Administrative · Medical Policy · NJ · Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Ophthalmology +3 moreLow impact

MA11.072, Application and Removal of Tattoos

Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Jun 19, 2026

Summary

Independence Blue Cross reissued MA11.072 on 03/04/2026 to communicate the Company's continuing position on tattoo application and removal. No substantive changes to coverage criteria were made; this is a routine reissue. The policy clarifies that therapeutic tattoos (corneal leukoma concealment, radiation therapy marking, nipple/areola reconstruction) and medically necessary removal (traumatic tattoos, complications) are covered, while cosmetic tattooing is not covered under Medicare Advantage.

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What to do

Action · 4 steps
01No immediate action required.
02This is a routine policy reissue with no changes to coverage criteria or billing requirements.
03Billing team should ensure current knowledge of existing coverage limitations: therapeutic tattoos (CPT 11920-11922, 65600) are covered only for corneal leukoma concealment, radiation therapy marking, or breast reconstruction; tattoo removal (CPT 15783) is covered for traumatic tattoos, radiation therapy markings, or medical complications (infection, allergic reaction, non-healing ulceration); cosmetic tattooing is not covered.
04File the reissue in policy records for reference during claim reviews and provider inquiries.

Codes mentioned

1192011921119226560015783H17.10H17.11H17.12H17.13Q83.0Q83.2T79.8XXAT79.8XXDT79.8XXST79.9XXAT79.9XXD

Original notice

MA11.072, Application and Removal of Tattoos
medpolicy.ibx.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
View original ↗

Related changes

See all Independence Blue Cross changes →
MA11.072, Application and Removal of TattoosLowNo effective date · Medical Policy11.08.05g, 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 policiesNJ policy changesDermatologyPlastic SurgeryOphthalmologyOncologyRadiation 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

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