Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that has a
variety of physiologic effects, most prominently
in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. Providers are reminded there should
be a direct medical need or
indication for testing of vitamin D serum levels. Therefore, routine testing
for vitamin D deficiency in healthy adults and
children is not indicated according to evidence-based reviews or clinical
practice guidelines from organizations that
include, but are not limited to, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Vitamin D testing
The following policies, effective as of August 1, 2016,
were developed by AmeriHealth to communicate the medically
necessary uses for vitamin D testing:
- Commercial: #06.02.51: Testing Serum Vitamin D Levels
- Medicare Advantage: #MA06.031: Vitamin D Assay Testing
To view these policies, visit our Medical Policy Portal. Select Accept and Go
to Medical Policy Online, and then select the Commercial or
Medicare Advantage tab from the top of the page,
depending on the version of the policy you would like to view. Then type the
policy name or number in the Search
field.
When clinically appropriate, AmeriHealth-participating laboratories are
capable of performing vitamin D testing. If you
have any questions about participating laboratories, please contact your
Provider Partnership Associate or Network
Coordinator.