LCD/NCD Portal

NCD150.6

 

VITAMIN B12 INJECTIONS TO STRENGTHEN TENDONS, LIGAMENTS, ETC., OF THE FOOT

 

 

Effective Date of this Version

 

• This is a longstanding national coverage determination.

• The effective date of this version has not been posted.

 

 

Benefit Category

 

• Drugs and Biologicals.

• Note: This may not be an exhaustive list of all applicable Medicare benefit categories for this item or service.

 

 

Indications and Limitations of Coverage

 

• Vitamin B12 injections to strengthen tendons, ligaments, etc., of the foot are NOT covered under Medicare because:

o There is NO evidence that vitamin B12 injections are effective for the purpose of strengthening weakened tendons and ligaments.

 and

o This is nonsurgical treatment under the subluxation exclusion.

 Accordingly, vitamin B12 injections are NOT considered reasonable and necessary within the meaning of §1862(a)(1) of the Act.

 

 

Cross Reference

 

• Also see the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 1 §30, and Chapter 16 §100.

 

 

Medicare NCD Link