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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 that 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
In order to communicate the medically necessary uses for vitamin D testing,
Independence has developed new commercial and Medicare Advantage policies.
These policies will be posted as Notifications on May 3, 2016, and will become
effective on August 1, 2016:
- Commercial: #06.02.51: Testing Serum Vitamin D Levels
- Medicare Advantage: #MA06.031: Vitamin D Assay Testing
To view the Notifications for these policies, visit our
Medical Policy Portal
and select
Accept and Go to Medical Policy Online. Then select either
Commercial or
Medicare Advantage under Active Notifications.
When clinically appropriate, Independence-participating laboratories are
capable of performing vitamin D testing. If you have any questions about
participating laboratories, please contact your Network Coordinator.
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