Medicare program; exclusion from Medicare coverage of certain food allergy tests and treatments--HCFA. Proposed...

This notice proposes to exclude certain food allergy testing and treatment techniques from Medicare coverage. The procedures that would be excluded from coverage are the cytotoxic leukocyte test, sublingual, intracutaneous and subcutaneous provocative and neutralization testing, and neutralization therapy for food allergies. The Medicare statute and regulations preclude reimbursement for items or services that are not reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member. Available evidence does not show that these tests and therapies for food allergies are safe and effective. Therefore, we are proposing to exclude these techniques from Medicare coverage and provide a uniform Medicare policy concerning these exclusions.