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Measurements of body composition have been used to study how lean body mass and body fat change during health and disease and have provided a research tool to study the metabolic effects of aging, obesity, and various wasting conditions such as occurs with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or post-bariatric surgery. A variety of techniques has been researched, including most commonly, anthropomorphic measures, bioelectrical impedance, and dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans. All of these techniques are based in part on assumptions regarding the distribution of different body compartments and their density, and all rely on formulas to convert the measured parameter into an estimate of body composition. Therefore, all techniques will introduce variation based how the underlying assumptions and formulas apply to different populations of subjects, i.e., different age groups, ethnicities, or underlying conditions. Anthropomorphic, bioimpedance, and DEXA techniques are briefly reviewed as followed.

Anthropomorphic Techniques

Anthropomorphic techniques for the estimation of body composition include measurements of skin-fold thickness at various sites, bone dimensions, and limb circumference. These measurements are used in various equations to predict body density and body fat. Due to its ease of use, measurement of skin-fold thickness is one of the most commonly used techniques. The technique is based on the assumption that the subcutaneous adipose layer reflects total body fat, but this association may vary with age and gender.

Bioelectrical Impedance

Bioelectrical impedance is based on the relationship between the volume of the conductor (i.e., the human body), the conductor's length (i.e., height), the components of the conductor (i.e., fat and fat-free mass), and its impedance. Estimates of body composition are based on the assumption that the overall conductivity of the human body is closely related to lean tissue. The impedance value is then combined with anthropomorphic data to give body compartment measures. The technique involves attaching surface electrodes to various locations on the arm and foot. Alternatively, the patient can stand on pad electrodes.

Underwater Weighing

Underwater weighing (UWW) has generally been considered the reference standard for body composition studies. This technique requires the use of a specially constructed tank in which the subject is seated on a suspended chair. The subject is then submerged in the water while exhaling. While valued as a research tool, UWW is obviously not suitable for routine clinical use. UWW is based on the assumption that the body can be divided into two (2) compartments with constant densities, i.e., adipose tissue with a density of 0.9gm/cm-3 and lean body mass (i.e., muscle and bone) with a density of 1.1g/cm-3. One limitation of the underlying assumption is the variability in density between muscle and bone; for example, bone has a higher density than muscle, and bone mineral density varies with age and other conditions. In addition, the density of body fat may vary, depending on the relative components of its constituents, e.g., glycerides, sterols, and glycolipids.

DEXA

While the above techniques assume two (2) body compartments, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry can estimate three (3) body compartments consisting of fat mass, lean body mass, and bone mass. DEXA systems use a source that generates x-rays at two (2) energies. The differential attenuation of the two (2) energies is used to estimate the bone mineral content and the soft tissue composition. When two (2) x-ray energies are used, only two (2) tissue compartments can be measured; therefore, soft tissue measurements (i.e., fat and lean body mass) can only be measured in areas where no bone is present. DEXA also has the ability to determine body composition in defined regions, i.e., in the arms, legs, and trunk. DEXA measurements are based in part on the assumption that the hydration of fat-free mass remains constant at 73%. Hydration, however, can vary from 67%–85%, and can be variable in certain disease states. Other assumptions used to derive body composition estimates are considered proprietary by DEXA manufacturers (i.e., Lunar, Hologic, and Norland.)

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

7/17/2008: Reviewed and approved by the Medical Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC)

12/31/2008: Code reference section updated per 2009 CPT/HCPCS revisions

6/23/2010:  Policy statement unchanged. FEP verbiage added to Policy Exceptions section. CPT Code 0028T was removed because the code was deleted 12/31/2008.  CPT Code 76499 was added to the Non-Covered Codes Table.

04/20/2011: Policy reviewed; no changes.

01/18/2012: Policy reviewed; no changes.

04/01/2013: Policy reviewed; no changes.

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

Non-Covered Codes