Medicare AdvantageCoverageLow impact
MA11.109a, Procedures for the Treatment of Acne
Independence Blue Cross·NJ · Dermatology, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery·Medical Policy
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
This is a reissue of Independence Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Policy MA11.109a confirming the Company's continuing position that laser therapy, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, and chemosurgery for treatment of active acne are NOT covered (experimental/investigational), and services for acne scarring are NOT covered (cosmetic). No substantive policy changes have been made; this is a routine review and reissue.
Action Required
No immediate action required. This is a routine policy reissue with no substantive changes to coverage criteria. Billing team should verify that current billing systems and denials protocols continue to deny claims for CPT codes 15788, 15789, 15792, 15793, 17110, 17111, 17340, and 17360 when billed with acne diagnosis codes (L70.0-L70.9, L73.0) under Independence Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plans. If any claims for acne procedures have been incorrectly processed in the past, consider retroactive review and corrective action.