#2 Folic Acid
Serum homocysteine levels will not be covered other than for suspected B12/folate deficiency, or for risk stratification for the conditions noted in the ICD-10 Codes that Support Medical Necessity section of this Billing and Coding: Homocysteine Level, Serum A56675 article. It is covered only once in a lifetime for the initial determination for risk stratification.
To reduce your homocysteine levels, you should eat more of the following foods:
ICD-10-CM Codes that Support Medical Necessity The service must be reasonable and necessary in the specific case and must meet the criteria specified in the Homocysteine Level, Serum L34419 LCD.
A high homocysteine level, also called hyperhomocysteinemia, can contribute to arterial damage and blood clots in your blood vessels. High homocysteine levels usually indicate a deficiency in vitamin B-12 or folate. A normal level of homocysteine in the blood is less than 15 micromoles per liter (mcmol/L) of blood.
ICD-10 code E72. 11 for Homocystinuria is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases .
Homocysteine is an intermediary amino acid formed by the conversion of methionine to cysteine (figure 1). Homocystinuria is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe elevations in plasma and urine homocysteine concentrations.
Homocysteine levels will be covered by Medicare to confirm Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. known vascular disease or risk thereof (based upon abnormal lipid metabolism, high blood pressure (BP) or diabetes mellitus (DM)) for the purpose of risk stratification.
Most people who have a high homocysteine level don't get enough folate (also called folic acid), vitamin B6, or vitamin B12 in their diet. Replacing these vitamins often helps return the homocysteine level to normal. Other possible causes of a high homocysteine level include: Low levels of thyroid hormone.
Homocystinuria (HCU) is a rare but potentially serious inherited condition. It means the body can't process the amino acid methionine. This causes a harmful build-up of substances in the blood and urine.
A homocysteine test is a blood test. It measures the amount of homocysteine, an amino acid in the body. The test is often used to diagnose vitamin B6, B9 or B12 deficiency. People with elevated homocysteine may have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
The Homocysteine Blood Test measures the level of homocysteine, an amino acid, in your blood. Preparation: Fasting for 8-10 hours required. Test Results: 1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Dietary deficiency of vitamins B6, B12, or folate are essential cofactors involved in the metabolism of homocysteine to methionine and is the most common non-genetic cause of elevated homocysteine.
Classical Homocystinuria is divided into two types; Vitamin B6 responsive and Vitamin B6 non-responsive. This will be discussed more later. The second route of Homocysteine metabolism is the Remethylation Pathway that depends on Folate, a B vitamin. This pathway converts Homocysteine back to Methionine.
A homocysteine test is a blood test. It measures the amount of homocysteine, an amino acid in the body. The test is often used to diagnose vitamin B6, B9 or B12 deficiency. People with elevated homocysteine may have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
Folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies should be corrected by supplementation. Increases in folate intake by dietary changes or fortification can also lower plasma homocysteine in vitamin-replete subjects with normal plasma homocysteine levels.
Elevated homocysteine levels can be lowered. We know that folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 are all involved in breaking down homocysteine in the blood. Therefore, increasing your intake of folic acid and B vitamins may lower your homocysteine level.
Drugs such as methotrexate, 6-azauridine, nicotinic acid, and bile acid sequestrants cause elevations in homocysteine levels.
CPT codes, descriptions and other data only are copyright 2021 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/HHSARS apply.
Title XVIII of the Social Security Act §1833 (e) prohibits Medicare payment for any claim which lacks the necessary information to process the claim.
The information in this article contains billing, coding or other guidelines that complement the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Homocysteine Level, Serum L34419.
The correct use of an ICD-10 code listed below does not assure coverage of a service. The service must be reasonable and necessary in the specific case and must meet the criteria specified in the Homocysteine Level, Serum L34419 LCD.
Contractors may specify Bill Types to help providers identify those Bill Types typically used to report this service. Absence of a Bill Type does not guarantee that the article does not apply to that Bill Type.
Contractors may specify Revenue Codes to help providers identify those Revenue Codes typically used to report this service. In most instances Revenue Codes are purely advisory. Unless specified in the article, services reported under other Revenue Codes are equally subject to this coverage determination.
Like other health complications and disorders, Hyperhomocysteinemia is a critical vascular disorder that happens when the level of homocysteine in the human blood goes above normal values . It may react with other natural substances and create more complicated and lasting effects that are also hard to treat and recover. However, the excessive increase in the level of homocysteine will affect the vitamin-b complex family. This disorder itself does not cause any life threatening condition but it may produce some troublesome complications like increase risk of bone fractures and peripheral circulatory problems. This disorder can also lead to many vascular and cardiac issues. In general, Hyperhomocysteinemia directly influences and disturbs the arterial system and blood flow.
Basically, the homocysteine is very important, fundamental and key substance for the growth of bones, muscles, tissues, vascular, and other body parts. The deficiency or increase in production of homocysteine may arise troublesome complications some which are irreversible.
The Vitamin B6, B9 & B12 supplements are the best to treat this medical condition. However, clinically there is no licensed treatment for hyperhomocysteinemia that is specifically designated for its treatment. People who have genetic predispositions towards hyperhomocysteinemia must avoid those actors that aggravate the level of homocysteine. As mentioned earlier only vitamins therapy is found to be beneficial in maintaining homocystein level so far. Many herbal alternatives are claimed to be effective in hyperhomocysteinemia but unfortunately non them is approved by US FDA.
The homocysteine is good for overall human health and this amino acid plays a key part to develop the tissues, muscles, bones and the bone mass. If there is any disturbance or deficiency, then the human body may suffer from critical problems. Similarly, if you observe the increase in amount or level of homocysteine in the blood, then more chronic infections and disorders will happen. However, there are very limited hyperhomocysteinemia symptoms which you can observe or come to know through medical checkups for the confirmation of this health condition. Some major signs of this disorder will be;
Under CMS National Coverage Policy - revised title for 42 CFR §410.32 ‘Indicates that diagnostic tests may only be ordered by the treating physician (or other treating practitioner acting within the scope of his or her license and Medicare requirements). Added title ‘Diagnostic Services Defined’ to CMS internet-only manual, Publication 100-02 Chapter 6 Section 20.4.1. Added title ‘Diagnosis Code Requirements’ to CMS internet-only manual Publication 100-08 Chapter 3 Section 3.4.1.3. Under Sources of Information and Basis for Decision – revised title of the eleventh article listed.
Homocysteine levels will be covered by Medicare to confirm vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
Serum homocysteine levels for the evaluation of treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with CV risk factors will be denied as not medically necessary.