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Independence Blue CrossMedicare Advantage · Billing Codes · Medical Policy · Pain Management, Physical Therapy, General PracticeMedium impact

MA12.004e, Acupuncture

Effective date
Jan 1, 2025
Identified
Jun 19, 2026

Summary

Independence Blue Cross reissued MA12.004e acupuncture policy with code updates effective 01/01/2025. CPT codes 97811 and 97814 were revised. The policy maintains coverage for up to 12 acupuncture sessions in 90 days for chronic low back pain (with up to 8 additional sessions if improving, maximum 20 annually), requires KX modifier for sessions 13-20, and covers only chronic low back pain conditions.

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What to do

Action · 5 steps
01By 01/01/2025: Billing team must verify that the billing system correctly maps CPT codes 97811 and 97814 per the revised policy.
02Ensure the system enforces the 12-session limit in 90 days (with conditional 8 additional sessions), the 20-session annual maximum, and requires KX modifier for sessions 13-20.
03Update claim edit rules to deny acupuncture claims for non-chronic low back pain indications or for sessions exceeding limits.
04Audit any pending claims from 01/01/2025 forward to confirm compliance.
05Train billing staff that sessions 13-20 require KX modifier submission or claims will be denied.

Codes mentioned

97811978149781097813S89302056020561

Original notice

MA12.004e, Acupuncture
medpolicy.ibx.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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