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Independence Blue CrossMedicare Advantage · Administrative · Medical Policy · NJ · Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Ophthalmology +2 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 reaffirm its continuing position on tattoo application and removal coverage for Medicare Advantage members. The policy covers therapeutic tattoos (corneal leukoma concealment, radiation therapy marking, nipple/areola reconstruction), traumatic tattoo removal, and removal of tattoos with medical complications, while excluding cosmetic tattoos. No substantive coverage changes were made; this is a routine policy reissuance.

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What to do

Action · 5 steps
01No immediate action required.
02This is a reissuance of an existing policy with no substantive coverage changes.
03Billing team should verify current billing workflows align with the stated coverage criteria: (1) therapeutic tattoo application is covered for corneal leukoma concealment, radiation therapy marking, and breast reconstruction nipple/areola creation; (2) therapeutic and traumatic tattoo removal is covered; (3) removal due to medical complications (infection, allergic reaction, non-healing ulceration) is covered; (4) cosmetic tattoo application and removal are NOT covered.
04Ensure claims for cosmetic tattoos are denied and documentation supports medical necessity for all covered services.
05No system updates or prior authorization changes are indicated.

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 OncologyCode 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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