CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Chelation Therapy
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi·MS · Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics +5 more·Medical Policy
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
BCBS Mississippi has updated their chelation therapy policy defining medically necessary uses (heavy metal toxicity, lead poisoning, iron overload) versus investigational off-label uses (atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's, autism). The policy establishes clear coverage criteria and blood level thresholds for approved chelation treatments.
Action Required
Immediately: Review all pending and future chelation therapy claims to ensure they meet medically necessary criteria. Verify patient blood levels match policy thresholds before billing. Educate providers that off-label uses (atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's, autism) are considered investigational and may be denied. Update prior authorization requests to include specific blood level documentation and FDA-approved indications.