Formula and Enteral Nutrition-Eff112513
Formula and Enteral Nutrition-Eff112513
Formula and Enteral Nutrition-Eff112513
Enteral Nutrition: Liquid feeding provided orally, or through a tube, catheter, or stoma, and used as a therapeutic regimen to prevent to prevent clinical
deterioration in patients at with medical conditions that preclude the full use of regular food including typical infant formulas (e.g., Similac, Nutramigen,
Enfamil).
2
A patient is considered to be at nutritional risk if he/she is malnourished, or at risk for developing malnutrition, due to a medical condition, chronic disease, or
increased metabolic requirements resulting from the inability to ingest or adequately absorb food.
3
HPHC uses age adjusted for gestational age when using growth charts. HPHC uses CDC-recommended WHO growth standards to monitor growth for
U.S. children up to 24 months, and CDC growth charts for U.S. children age 2 years and older.
4
Special medical infant formulas include, but are not limited to, transitional formulas for premature infants, extensively hydrolyzed formulas, amino
Page 1 of 12
HPHC Medical Review Criteria
Formulas and Other Enteral Nutrition
Coverage described in this policy is standard under most HPHC plans. Specific benefits may vary by product and/or employer group. Please reference
appropriate member materials (e.g., Benefit Handbook, Certificate of Coverage) for member-specific benefit information.
Condition-Specific Criteria
Criteria
Premature transition formulas (e.g., Neosure,
Enfacare) are authorized for up to 3 months of life for:
Premature infants with birth weight of 1500g or
less, and a hospital discharge weight less than
the 10th percentile (for age corrected for
prematurity); or
Premature infants younger than 3 months of life
who are unable to tolerate cow milk-based
formula due to ANY of the Covered Conditions
Additional Information
Subsequent requests for
premature infants over 3 months
of life are re-evaluated against
General Eligibility Criteria, and
relevant Covered Condition Criteria
(listed below).
Coverage described in this policy is standard under most HPHC plans. Specific benefits may vary by product and/or employer group. Please reference
appropriate member materials (e.g., Benefit Handbook, Certificate of Coverage) for member-specific benefit information.
Condition
Criteria
Additional Information
(listed below).
A trial of soy-based formula is not required for
premature infants younger than 3 months of life with
documented intolerance of cow milk-based formula.
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Disease (GERD)5
Potential formula-related
diagnoses include non-IgE
mediated food protein-induced
proctocolitis, food protein-induced
Additional information on the treatment of GERD in children is available at the NIH Information Clearinghouse, and in NASPGHAN Pediatric GE Reflux Clinical
Practice Guidelines 2009
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerdinfant/index.htm http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerinchildren/index.htm
http://www.naspghan.org/user-assets/Documents/pdf/PositionPapers/FINAL%20-%20JPGN%20GERD%20guideline.pdf
6
Evidence of nutritional compromise includes weight loss/lack of weight gain due to insufficient caloric intake or formula refusal, blood in regurgitated foods,
or severe vomiting.
7
GER (the regurgitation of gastric contents) is common in infants, usually peaks at 4-6 months of life, and generally does not need medical treatment or a
change in formula. Parental reassurance, restriction of volume in overfed infants, and a trial of thickened formula are usually sufficient in these cases.
Page 3 of 12
HPHC Medical Review Criteria
Formulas and Other Enteral Nutrition
Coverage described in this policy is standard under most HPHC plans. Specific benefits may vary by product and/or employer group. Please reference
appropriate member materials (e.g., Benefit Handbook, Certificate of Coverage) for member-specific benefit information.
Condition
Criteria
bloody stools; and
2. Other etiologies (e.g., anorectal fissure,
infectious/inflammatory colitis) have been
excluded by history and exam, and/or further
testing and serial guaiacs (when appropriate);
and
3. Bloody stools occurred while the infant was:
a. Being fed a cow milk-based formula; or
b. Breastfeeding, and a dairy elimination diet
resolved the problem.
Note: Trial of soy formula trial is not
required due to the high cross intolerance
to soy-based formula for these conditions.
GI Irritability
Additional Information
enteropathy, and food proteininduced enterocolitis. 8
Subsequent requests for children
over 1 year old must include
documentation of both nutritionist
consultation (including calorie
counts), and gastroenterologist
evaluation. Unless contraindicated,
retrial of both cow milk-based
foods/formula and soy-based
formula must be considered.
Food protein-induced proctocolitis is associated with blood streaked stools in a generally healthy member. Food protein-induced enteropathy is
associated with malabsorption, failure to thrive, diarrhea and vomiting. Food protein -induced enterocolitis is associated with malabsorption and failure to
thrive; acute reactions include recurrent vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Common non-food related etiologies are rectal fissures and
infectious/inflammatory colitis.
9
Nutritionist documentation of diet and calorie needs is required.
Page 4 of 12
HPHC Medical Review Criteria
Formulas and Other Enteral Nutrition
Coverage described in this policy is standard under most HPHC plans. Specific benefits may vary by product and/or employer group. Please reference
appropriate member materials (e.g., Benefit Handbook, Certificate of Coverage) for member-specific benefit information.
Condition
Criteria
allergist (if clinically indicated); and
Either of the following:
For formula fed infants, there must be high
suspicion (by elimination diet or supportive
IgE specific antibody testing) that symptoms
are caused by milk and soy exposure; or
For children, the condition is caused by an
multiple food groups, and multi-food
elimination diet (including elimination of
milk and soy) is planned.
Additional Information
dysphagia, abdominal pain,
and/or weight loss.
Subsequent requests must include
documentation of intervening
medical and nutritional
reassessments (including calorie
counts) and follow up endoscopy
to determine if the clinical
condition has improved enough to
allow intake of other nutrients.
10
Malabsorption in infants and children can be associated with chronic diarrhea and weight loss, and may be secondary to food protein-induced enteropathy or
enterocolitis (acute enterocolitis reactions are associated with recurrent vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration), or to non-food related etiologies as well.
Page 5 of 12
HPHC Medical Review Criteria
Formulas and Other Enteral Nutrition
Coverage described in this policy is standard under most HPHC plans. Specific benefits may vary by product and/or employer group. Please reference
appropriate member materials (e.g., Benefit Handbook, Certificate of Coverage) for member-specific benefit information.
Condition
Criteria
Additional Information
For adults:
Involuntary loss of more than 10% of
usual body weight over 3-6 months; or
BMI less than the 5 th percentile, or
18.5 kg/m 2 .
Required documentation
includes:
Clinical history, and results of
physical exam and supportive
testing to evaluate potential
treatable causes of growth
failure;
Evidence that the member
has attempted, or is unable to
tolerate, supplementation
with commercially available
foods and nutritional
supplements (e.g., Carnation
Instant Breakfast, food
thickeners, butter or cream
added to prepared foods,
etc.), if appropriate;
A written plan of care for
regular monitoring of signs and
symptoms to detect
improvement in the members
condition.
For members over age 1 year,
additional requirements include:
11
The diagnosis of FTT is based on growth failure due to inadequate nutrient intake or absorption, increased nutritional losses , or
ineffective nutrient utilization. This diagnosis does not automatically apply to infants or children with medical conditions such as
intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity, or genetic short stature if the childs growth velocity is tracking along a wei ght for
length growth curve, even if the curve is less than the 2 n d percentile.
Page 6 of 12
HPHC Medical Review Criteria
Formulas and Other Enteral Nutrition
Coverage described in this policy is standard under most HPHC plans. Specific benefits may vary by product and/or employer group. Please reference
appropriate member materials (e.g., Benefit Handbook, Certificate of Coverage) for member-specific benefit information.
Condition
Criteria
loss:
Weight for length/height or BMI less than
the 25th percentile.
IgE Mediated
Food Allergy
Atopic
Dermatitis
(AD)12
Additional Information
Detailed dietary/feeding
history including calorie
counts, and evidence of
referral to a nutritionist;
and
Documentation/results of
appropriate specialist
evaluation (e.g.,
gastroenterologist,
feeding/swallowing
specialist).
12
Mild to moderate AD is generally not related to formula allergy even in the presence of food specific IgE antibodies. Food allergy may cause
1-3% of mild AD, and 5-10% of moderate AD. For severe AD, defined as widespread skin involvement which impairs quality of life that persists
despite first line medical therapy (moisturizers, wraps,topical steroids, and antihistamines), and occurring in very young infants, causal food
allergy may be present in 20-30%.
Page 7 of 12
HPHC Medical Review Criteria
Formulas and Other Enteral Nutrition
Coverage described in this policy is standard under most HPHC plans. Specific benefits may vary by product and/or employer group. Please reference
appropriate member materials (e.g., Benefit Handbook, Certificate of Coverage) for member-specific benefit information.
Condition
Criteria
elimination diet); and
Allergist evaluation confirms the
presence of formula induced atopic
dermatitis.
Inborn Errors of
Metabolism including:
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Tyrosinemia
Homocystinuria
Maple Syrup Urine
Disease
Propionic Acidemia
Methylmalonic
Acidemia
Other Organic
Acidemias
Urea Cycle Disorders
Ketogenic
Formula for
Uncontrolled
Seizures
Additional Information
Results of nutritionist consult
including calorie counts;
Results of allergist evaluation
to further document to food
allergy.
Trial of cow milk-based or soybased formula/foods is not
required.
Exclusions:
HPHC does not authorize:
Enteral nutrition including infant formulas for indications not listed above.
Enteral nutrition including infant formulas when a medical history or physical examination has not been completed,
and/or there is no documentation that supports the need for enteral nutrition products.
Enteral nutrition including infant formulas when a medical history and physical examination have been performed and other
possible alternatives have been identified to minimize the members nutritional risk.
Enteral nutrition including infant formulas when the member is underweight but has the ability to meet nutritional needs
through the use of regular food consumption.
Enteral nutrition including infant formulas when the member has food allergies or dental problems, but has the ability to
meet his or her nutritional requirements through an alternative store-bought food source.
Standard infant milk or soy formulas;
Formula or food products used for dieting, or a weight-loss program;
Banked breast milk;
Page 8 of 12
HPHC Medical Review Criteria
Formulas and Other Enteral Nutrition
Coverage described in this policy is standard under most HPHC plans. Specific benefits may vary by product and/or employer group. Please reference
appropriate member materials (e.g., Benefit Handbook, Certificate of Coverage) for member-specific benefit information.
Food for a ketogenic diet when dietary needs can be met with regular, store-bought food;
Dietary or food supplements;
Food thickeners,
Supplemental high protein powders and mixes;
Lactose free foods, or products that aid in lactose digestion;
Gluten-free products;
Baby foods;
Oral vitamins and minerals;
Medical foods (e.g., Foltx, Metanx, Cerefolin, probiotics such as VSL#3) including FDA-approved medical foods
obtained via prescription.
Benefit Requirements
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Low protein foods are covered up to $5,000 per member per year for inherited diseases of amino
acids and organic acids. (M.G.L. 176G 4D)
Special infant formulas: Not Applicable
Non-prescription enteral formulas and low protein foods:
Members enrolled through employer groups must be covered for non-prescription enteral
formulas to treat impaired absorption of nutrients caused by disorders affecting the absorptive
surface, functional length, gastrointestinal tract motility, and inherited diseases of amino acids
and organic acids. A written order must be issued by a physician stating that the enteral formula
Page 9 of 12
Coverage described in this policy is standard under most HPHC plans. Specific benefits may vary by product and/or employer group. Please reference
appropriate member materials (e.g., Benefit Handbook, Certificate of Coverage) for member-specific benefit information.
is medically necessary, needed to sustain life, and is the least restrictive and most cost effective
treatment.
Additionally, members must be covered for non-prescription enteral formulas and food products
required for persons with inherited diseases of amino and organic acids. Physician must provide a
written order, stating that enteral formula or food product is medically necessary and is the least
restrictive and most cost effective approach to meet patient needs. There is no dollar limit on
enteral formulas.
Maine
Low protein foods are limited to $1,800 per member per year. (NH R.S.A. 420-A:17)
24 2320-D. MEDICAL FOOD COVERAGE FOR INBORN ERROR OF
METABOLISM
All individual and group nonprofit medical services plan policies and contracts and all nonprofit
health care plan policies and contracts must provide coverage for metabolic formula and special
modified low-protein food products that have been prescribed by a licensed physician for a
person with an inborn error of metabolism. The policies and contracts must reimburse:
A. For metabolic formula; and [1995, c. 369, 1 (NEW).]
B. Up to $3,000 per year for special modified low-protein food products. [1995, c. 369, 1
(NEW).] [ 1995, c. 369, 1 (NEW) .]
24-A 2764. COVERAGE FOR MEDICALLY NECESSARY INFANT FORMULA
All individual health insurance policies, contracts and certificates must provide coverage for amino
acid-based elemental infant formula for children 2 years of age and under in accordance with this
section.
[2007, c. 2, 11 (RAL).]
Determination of medical necessity. Coverage for amino acid-based elemental infant
formula must be provided when a licensed physician has submitted documentation that the
amino acid-based elemental infant formula is medically necessary health care as defined in
section 4301-A, subsection 10-A, that the amino acid-based elemental infant formula is the
predominant source of nutritional intake at a rate of 50% or greater and that other
commercial infant formulas, including cow milk-based and soy milk-based formulas have been
tried and have failed or are contraindicated. A licensed physician may be required to confirm
and document ongoing medical necessity at least annually. [2007, c. 2, 11 (RAL) .]
Method of delivery. Coverage for amino acid-based elemental infant formula must be
provided without regard to the method of delivery of the formula. [2007, c. 2, 11 (RAL) .]
Required diagnosis. Coverage for amino acid-based elemental infant formula must be
provided when a licensed physician has diagnosed and through medical evaluation has
documented one of the following conditions:
Symptomatic allergic colitis or proctitis; [2007, c. 2, 11 (RAL).]
Laboratory- or biopsy-proven allergic or eosinophilic gastroenteritis; [2007, c. 2, 11 (RAL).]
A history of anaphylaxis; [2007, c. 2, 11 (RAL).]
Gastroesophageal reflux disease that is nonresponsive to standard medical therapies; [2007,
c. 2, 11 (RAL).]
Severe vomiting or diarrhea resulting in clinically significant dehydration requiring treatment
by a medical provider; [2007, c. 2, 11 (RAL).]
Cystic fibrosis; or [2007, c. 2, 11 (RAL).]
Malabsorption of cow milk-based or soy milk-based infant formula. [2007, c. 2, 11 (RAL).]
[2007, c. 2, 11 (RAL) .]
Page 10 of 12
HPHC Medical Review Criteria
Formulas and Other Enteral Nutrition
Coverage described in this policy is standard under most HPHC plans. Specific benefits may vary by product and/or employer group. Please reference
appropriate member materials (e.g., Benefit Handbook, Certificate of Coverage) for member-specific benefit information.
All group health insurance policies, contracts and certificates must provide coverage for amino
acidbased elemental infant formula for children 2 years of age and under in accordance with this
section. [2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 15 (RAL).]
Determination of medical necessity. Coverage for amino acid-based elemental infant
formula must be provided when a licensed physician has submitted documentation that the
amino acid-based elemental infant formula is medically necessary health care as defined in
section 4301-A, subsection 10-A, that the amino acid-based elemental infant formula is the
predominant source of nutritional intake at a rate of 50% or greater and that other
commercial infant formulas, including cow milk-based and soy milk-based formulas have been
tried and have failed or are contraindicated. A licensed physician may be required to confirm
and document ongoing medical necessity at least annually. [ 2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 15 (RAL) .]
Method of delivery. Coverage for amino acid-based elemental infant formula must be
provided without regard to the method of delivery of the formula.[ 2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 15
(RAL) .]
Required diagnosis. Coverage for amino acid-based elemental infant formula must be
provided when a licensed physician has diagnosed and through medical evaluation has
documented one of the following conditions:
1. Symptomatic allergic colitis or proctitis; [2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 15 (RAL).]
2. Laboratory- or biopsy-proven allergic or eosinophilic gastroenteritis; [2007, c. 695, Pt.
C,15 (RAL).]
3. A history of anaphylaxis; [2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 15 (RAL).]
4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease that is nonresponsive to standard medical therapies;
[2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 15 (RAL).]
5. Severe vomiting or diarrhea resulting in clinically significant dehydration requiring
treatment by a medical provider; [2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 15 (RAL).]
6. Cystic fibrosis; or [2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 15 (RAL).]
7. Malabsorption of cow milk-based or soy milk-based infant formula. [2007, c. 695, Pt. C,
15 (RAL).] [2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 15 (RAL) .]
SECTION HISTORY
2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 15 (RAL).
24-A 4256. COVERAGE FOR MEDICALLY NECESSARY INFANT FORMULA
All individual and group health maintenance organization policies, contracts and certificates must
provide coverage for amino acid-based elemental infant formula for children 2 years of age and
under in accordance with this section. [2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 16 (RAL).]
Determination of medical necessity. Coverage for amino acid-based elemental infant
formula must be provided when a licensed physician has submitted documentation that the
amino acid-based elemental infant formula is medically necessary health care as defined in
section 4301-A, subsection 10-A, that the amino acid-based elemental infant formula is the
predominant source of nutritional intake at a rate of 50% or greater and that other
commercial infant formulas, including cow milk-based and soy milk-based formulas have been
tried and have failed or are contraindicated. A licensed physician may be required to confirm
and document ongoing medical necessity at least annually. [ 2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 16 (RAL) .]
Method of delivery. Coverage for amino acid-based elemental infant formula must be
provided without regard to the method of delivery of the formula. [ 2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 16
Page 11 of 12
HPHC Medical Review Criteria
Formulas and Other Enteral Nutrition
Coverage described in this policy is standard under most HPHC plans. Specific benefits may vary by product and/or employer group. Please reference
appropriate member materials (e.g., Benefit Handbook, Certificate of Coverage) for member-specific benefit information.
Connecticut
(RAL) .]
Required diagnosis. Coverage for amino acid-based elemental infant formula must be
provided when a licensed physician has diagnosed and through medical evaluation has
documented one of the following conditions:
1. Symptomatic allergic colitis or proctitis; [2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 16 (RAL).]
2. Laboratory- or biopsy-proven allergic or eosinophilic gastroenteritis; [2007, c. 695, Pt. C,
16 (RAL).]
3. A history of anaphylaxis; [2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 16 (RAL).]
4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease that is nonresponsive to standard medical therapies;
[2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 16 (RAL).]
5. Severe vomiting or diarrhea resulting in clinically significant dehydration requiring
treatment by a medical provider; [2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 16 (RAL).]
6. Cystic fibrosis; or [2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 16 (RAL).]
7. Malabsorption of cow milk-based or soy milk-based infant formula. [2007, c. 695, Pt. C,
16 (RAL).] [ 2007, c. 695, Pt. C, 16 (RAL) .]
Coverage for low protein modified food products, amino acid modified preparations
and specialized formulas. For purposes of this section:
1. Inherited metabolic disease includes (A) a disease for which newborn screening is required
under section 19a-55; and (B) cystic fibrosis.
2. Low protein modified food product means a product formulated to have less than one gram
of protein per serving and intended for the dietary treatment of an inherited metabolic
disease under the direction of a physician.
3. Amino acid modified preparation means a product intended for the dietary treatment of an
inherited metabolic disease under the direction of a physician.
4. Specialized formula means a nutritional formula for children up to age twelve that is exempt
from the general requirements for nutritional labeling under the statutory and regulatory
guidelines of the federal Food and Drug Administration and is intended for use solely under
medical supervision in the dietary management of specific diseases.
Each group health insurance policy providing coverage of the type specified in subdivisions (1),
(2), (4), (11) and (12) of section 38a-469 delivered, issued for delivery, renewed, amended or
continued in this state shall provide coverage for amino acid modified preparations and low
protein modified food products for the treatment of inherited metabolic diseases if the amino acid
modified preparations or low protein modified food products are prescribed for the therapeutic
treatment of inherited metabolic diseases and are administered under the direction of a physician.
Each group health insurance policy providing coverage of the type specified in subdivisions (1),
(2), (4), (11) and (12) of section 38a-469 delivered, issued for delivery, renewed, amended or
continued in this state shall provide coverage for specialized formulas when such specialized
formulas are medically necessary for the treatment of a disease or condition and are administered
under the direction of a physician.
Such policy shall provide coverage for such preparations, food products and formulas on the
same basis as outpatient prescription drugs.
Page 12 of 12
HPHC Medical Review Criteria
Formulas and Other Enteral Nutrition
Coverage described in this policy is standard under most HPHC plans. Specific benefits may vary by product and/or employer group. Please reference
appropriate member materials (e.g., Benefit Handbook, Certificate of Coverage) for member-specific benefit information.