This Medical Policy is provided for informational purposes only.

If Members have any questions about the medical necessity of a service or procedure, they should discuss the question with their Network Provider or call a member of our Customer Service Team.

MEDICAL POLICY USE DISCLAIMER

  1. Medical Policy is used by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, A Mutual Insurance Company ("BCBSMS") as one set of guidelines (among other sets of guidelines) to assist BCBSMS in making benefit coverage decisions. BCBSMS utilizes Medical Policy adopted by our Medical Policy Advisory Committee ("MPAC") which is supported by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Medical Policy, research and development. Medical Policies are the property of BCBSMS and any use of Medical Policy not agreed to by BCBSMS is strictly prohibited. The use of Medical Policy for purposes related to the health care of a BCBSMS plan member is permitted and is not a violation of the proprietary rights of BCBSMS.
  2. These Medical Policies are based on scientifically meritorious evidence provided through research for a particular medical technology. Medical Policy is also based on data from peer-reviewed scientific literature, from criteria developed by specialty societies and from guidelines adopted by other health care organizations.
  3. These Medical Policies apply to members/subscribers who have health insurance through BCBSMS. This Medical Policy also applies to Members of a self-insured group health plan for which Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi provides claims administration and persons covered by a Medicare Supplement policy offered by BCBSMS. This Medical Policy does not apply to any other individuals. Medical Policies may differ for Federal employees covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.
  4. In the event of any conflict between this Medical Policy and any benefit plan, Summary Plan Description or other coverage document, the benefit plan, Summary Plan Description or other coverage document will govern.
  5. Medical technology is rapidly changing and these Medical Policies are subject to change without notice. Also, please be aware that as a result of ongoing changes being made to Medical Policy, BCBSMS cannot and does not guarantee that these Medical Policies are current.

BCBSMS Medical Policies are Subject to the Following Restrictions


This Medical Policy is provided for informational purposes only.

If Members have any questions about the medical necessity of a service or procedure, they should discuss the question with their Network Provider or call a member of our Customer Service Team.

MEDICAL POLICY USE DISCLAIMER

  1. Medical Policy is used by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, A Mutual Insurance Company ("BCBSMS") as one set of guidelines (among other sets of guidelines) to assist BCBSMS in making benefit coverage decisions. BCBSMS utilizes Medical Policy adopted by our Medical Policy Advisory Committee ("MPAC") which is supported by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Medical Policy, research and development. Medical Policies are the property of BCBSMS and any use of Medical Policy not agreed to by BCBSMS is strictly prohibited. The use of Medical Policy for purposes related to the health care of a BCBSMS plan member is permitted and is not a violation of the proprietary rights of BCBSMS.
  2. These Medical Policies are based on scientifically meritorious evidence provided through research for a particular medical technology. Medical Policy is also based on data from peer-reviewed scientific literature, from criteria developed by specialty societies and from guidelines adopted by other health care organizations.
  3. These Medical Policies apply to members/subscribers who have health insurance through BCBSMS. This Medical Policy also applies to persons covered by the Mississippi Children's Health Insurance Program, Members of a self-insured group health plan for which Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi provides claims administration and persons covered by a Medicare Supplement policy offered by BCBSMS. This Medical Policy does not apply to any other individuals. Medical Policies may differ for Federal employees covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.
  4. In the event of any conflict between this Medical Policy and any benefit plan, Summary Plan Description or other coverage document, the benefit plan, Summary Plan Description or other coverage document will govern.
  5. Medical technology is rapidly changing and these Medical Policies are subject to change without notice. Also, please be aware that as a result of ongoing changes being made to Medical Policy, BCBSMS cannot and does not guarantee that these Medical Policies are current.

BCBSMS Medical Policies are Subject to the Following Restrictions


This Medical Policy is provided for informational purposes only.

If Members have any questions about the medical necessity of a service or procedure, they should discuss the question with their Network Provider or call a member of our Customer Service Team.

MEDICAL POLICY USE DISCLAIMER

  1. Medical Policy is used by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, A Mutual Insurance Company ("BCBSMS") as one set of guidelines (among other sets of guidelines) to assist BCBSMS in making benefit coverage decisions. BCBSMS utilizes Medical Policy adopted by our Medical Policy Advisory Committee ("MPAC") which is supported by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Medical Policy, research and development. Medical Policies are the property of BCBSMS and any use of Medical Policy not agreed to by BCBSMS is strictly prohibited. The use of Medical Policy for purposes related to the health care of a BCBSMS plan member is permitted and is not a violation of the proprietary rights of BCBSMS.
  2. These Medical Policies are based on scientifically meritorious evidence provided through research for a particular medical technology. Medical Policy is also based on data from peer-reviewed scientific literature, from criteria developed by specialty societies and from guidelines adopted by other health care organizations.
  3. These Medical Policies apply to members/subscribers who have health insurance through BCBSMS. This Medical Policy also applies to persons covered by the Mississippi Children's Health Insurance Program, Members of a self-insured group health plan for which Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi provides claims administration and persons covered by a Medicare Supplement policy offered by BCBSMS. This Medical Policy does not apply to any other individuals. Medical Policies may differ for Federal employees covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.
  4. In the event of any conflict between this Medical Policy and any benefit plan, Summary Plan Description or other coverage document, the benefit plan, Summary Plan Description or other coverage document will govern.
  5. Medical technology is rapidly changing and these Medical Policies are subject to change without notice. Also, please be aware that as a result of ongoing changes being made to Medical Policy, BCBSMS cannot and does not guarantee that these Medical Policies are current.

BCBSMS Medical Policies are Subject to the Following Restrictions

Medical Policy Search
Printer Friendly Version Fecal Analysis in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Dysbiosis

Fecal Analysis in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Dysbiosis

 

DESCRIPTION

Intestinal dysbiosis may be defined as a state of disordered microbial ecology that causes disease. Specifically, the concept of dysbiosis rests on the assumption that patterns of intestinal flora, specifically overgrowth of some microorganisms found commonly in intestinal flora, have an impact on human health. Symptoms and conditions attributed to dysbiosis include chronic intestinal disorders including irritable bowel disease, inflammatory or autoimmune disorders, food allergy, atopic eczema, unexplained fatigue, arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, malnutrition or neuropsychiatric symptoms including autism, and breast and colon cancer. Leo Galland, MD, a researcher who has focused his studies on dysbiosis, has proposed four (4) patterns of dysbiosis:
  1. Putrefaction

    Putrefaction dysbiosis results from diet high in fat and animal flesh and low in insoluble fiber, i.e., typical of Western style diet. It is thought that, compared to normal patterns of intestinal flora, this diet produces an increased concentration of Bacteriodes sp, and a decreased concentration of bifidiobacteria in stools. The increased concentration of Bacteriodes sp is thought to be associated with increased urease, ultimately leading to a rising fecal pH. Bacteriodes sp is also thought to be associated with increased beta-glucoronidase, which functions to deconjugate bile acids, which are thought to be toxic to the colonic epithelium, causing diarrhea. Increased levels of beta-glucoronidase may also impact estrogen metabolism.

  2. Fermentation

    A fermentation pattern of dysbiosis has been attributed to bacterial overgrowth. In mild cases, fermentation may be characterized principally by carbohydrate intolerance, manifested by abdominal distention, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation and feelings of malaise.  

  3. Deficiency

    Antibiotic therapy or decrease in dietary fiber may result in relative deficiencies of normal fecal flora, including bifidiobacteria, lactobacillus, and Escherichia coli.

  4. Sensitization

    A sensitization pattern of dysbiosis has been characterized as an abnormal immune response to the endotoxins and antigens associated with normal intestinal flora.

Laboratory analysis of both stool and urine have been investigated as markers of dysbiosis. Reference laboratories specializing in the evaluation of dysbiosis may offer comprehensive testing of various aspects of digestion, absorption, microbiology, and metabolic markers. For example, Genova Diagnostics (known as Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory until april 2003) offers a “Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis 2.0” that evaluates a stool sample for the following components:   

Digestion

  • Triglycerides
  • Chymotrypsin
  • Iso-butyrate, iso-valerate, and n-valerate
  • Meat and vegetable fibers

Absorption

  • Long chain fatty acids
  • Cholesterol
  • Total fecal fat
  • Total short chain fatty acids

Microbiology

  • Levels of Lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and E. coli and other “potential pathogens,” including Aeromonas, Bacillus cereus, Campylobacter, Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio
  • Identification and quantitation of fecal yeast (including Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, Rhodotorula, and Geotrichum

Metabolic Markers

  • N-butyrate (considered key energy source for colonic epithelial cells)
  • Beta-glucoronidase 
  • pH
  • Short chain fatty acid distribution (adequate amount and proportions of the different short chain fatty acids reflect the basic status of intestinal metabolism) 

Immunology

  • Fecal secretory IgA (as a measure of luminal immunologic function)
  • Calprotectin

Results are reported both individually or combined into a “dysbiosis risk index,” which is based on gut microbiology, pH, and short chain fatty acids.

Note: Intestinal dysbiosis may also be considered a manifestation of idiopathic environmental intolerance (i.e., clinical ecology). Idiopathic environmental intolerance is discussed in the Diagnosis and Management of Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance (i.e., clinical ecology) policy.

 

POLICY

Fecal analysis of the following components is considered investigational as a diagnostic test for the evaluation of intestinal dysbiosis, irritable bowel syndrome, malabsorption, or small intestinal overgrowth of bacteria:
  • Triglycerides
  • Chymotrypsin
  • Iso-butyrate, iso-valerate and n-valerate
  • Meat and vegetable fibers
  • Long chain fatty acids
  • Cholesterol
  • Total short chain fatty acids
  • Levels of Lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and E. coli and other "potential pathogens," including Aeromona, Bacillus cereus, Campylobacter, Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Shigella, S. aureus, Vibrio.
  • Identification and quantitation of fecal yeast (including C. albicans, C. tropicalis, Rhodoptorul and Geotrichum)
  • N-butyrate
  • Beta-glucoronidase
  • pH
  • Short chain fatty acid distribution (adequate amount and proportions of the different short chain fatty acids reflect the basic status of intestinal metabolism)
  • Fecal secretory IgA
  • Calprotectin

 

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

None

 

POLICY GUIDELINES

Investigative service is defined as the use of any treatment procedure, facility, equipment, drug, device, or supply not yet recognized by certifying boards and/or approving or licensing agencies or published peer review criteria as standard, effective medical practice for the treatment of the condition being treated and as such therefore is not considered medically necessary.

The coverage guidelines outlined in the Medical Policy Manual should not be used in lieu of the Member's specific benefit plan language.

 

POLICY HISTORY

5/2002: Approved by Medical Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC) ), Code Reference section completed, CPT code 82270, 82491, 82710, 82715, 82725, 83986, 84311, 86403, 87045, 87046, 87102, 87177, 89160 added, ICD-9 diagnosis code 564.1, 569.0-569.9, 579.0-579.9 added

11/5/2003: Code Reference section updated, CPT code 82705, 89125 added, ICD-9 diagnosis code range 569.0-569.9, 579.0-579.9 listed separately

8/16/2005: Code Reference section updated, CPT code 82705 deleted, ICD-9 diagnosis code 564.1, 569.0.0, 569.1, 569.2, 569.3, 569.41, 569.42, 569.49, 569.5, 569.60, 569.61, 569.62, 569.69, 569.81, 569.82, 569.83, 569.84, 569.85, 569.86, 569.89, 569.9, 579.0, 579.1, 579.2, 579.3, 579.4, 579.8, 579.9 deleted

2/8/2006:  Code Reference table updated: code 82270 deleted

5/14/2007: Policy reviewed; description updated to include stool sample components. Added CPT 83631

8/18/2008: Policy reviewed, no changes

04/30/2010: Policy description and statement unchanged. Revised the description of CPT code 83986.

05/17/2011: Policy reviewed; no changes.

08/11/2011: Added the following CPT codes to the Non-Covered Codes table: 82239, 82240, 82492, 82656, 82705, 82726, 82784, 83993, 84490, 87075, 87106, 87335, and 88313.

03/02/2012: Policy reviewed; no changes.

04/17/2013: Policy reviewed; no changes.

 

SOURCE(S)

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association policy # 2.04.26

 

CODE REFERENCE

This is not an all-inclusive list of non-covered procedure codes.

All codes billed for this procedure are considered investigational and not eligible for coverage.

Non-Covered Codes

Code Number

Description

CPT-4

82239

Bile acids; total  (Added 08-11-2011)

82240

Bile acids; cholylglycine (Added 08-11-2011)

82491

Chromatography, quantitative, column (eg, gas liquid or HPLC); single analyte not elsewhere specified, single stationary and mobile phase

82492

Chromatography, quantitative, column (eg, gas liquid or HPLC); multiple analytes, single stationary and mobile phase (Added 08-11-2011)

82656 

Elastase, pancreatic (EL-1), fecal, qualitative or semi-quantitative (Added 08-11-2011) 

82705

Fat or lipids, feces; qualitative (Added 08-11-2011)

82710

Fat or lipids, feces; quantitative

82715

Fat differential, feces, quantitative

82725

Fatty acids, nonesterified

82726 

Very long chain fatty acids (Added 08-11-2011)

82784

Gammaglobulin (immunoglobulin); IgA, IgD, IgG, IgM, each   (Added 08-11-2011)

83631

Lactoferrin, fecal; quantitative (added 5-14-2007)

83986

pH; body fluid, not otherwise specified (Description revised 01-01-2010)

83993 

Calprotectin, fecal (Added 08-11-2011) 

84311

Spectrophotometry, analyte not elsewhere specified

84490

Trypsin; feces, quantitative, 24-hour collection  (Added 08-11-2011)

86403

Particle agglutination; screen, each antibody

87045

Culture, bacterial; feces, with isolation and preliminary examination (eg, KIA, LIA), Salmonella and Shigella species

87046

Culture, bacterial; stool, additional pathogens, isolation and preliminary examination (eg, Campylobacter, Yersinia, Vibrio, E. coli 0157), each plate

87075

Culture, bacterial; any source, except blood, anaerobic with isolation and presumptive identification of isolates  (Added 08-11-2011)

87102

Culture, fungi (mold or yeast) isolation, with presumptive identification of isolates; other source (except blood)

87106

Culture, fungi, definitive identification, each organism; yeast (Added 08-11-2011)

87177

Ova and parasites, direct smears, concentration and identification

87335

Infectious agent antigen detection by enzyme immunoassay technique, qualitative or semiquantitative, multiple-step method; Escherichia coli 0157  (Added 08-11-2011) 

88313

Special stains; Group II, all other (eg, iron, trichrome), except immunocytochemistry and immunoperoxidase stains, including interpretation and report, each (Added 08-11-2011)   

89125

Fat stain, feces, urine, or respiratory secretions (added 11-5-2003)

89160

Meat fibers, feces

ICD-9 Procedure

 

 

ICD-9 Diagnosis

 

 

HCPCS

 

 

 

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