B4153 — Enteral formula, nutritionally complete, hydrolyzed proteins (amino acids and peptide chain), includes fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, may include fiber, administered through an enteral feeding tube, 100 calories = 1 unit
HCPCS/CPT
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Documentation Required
- A Standard Written Order (SWO) must be communicated to the supplier before claim submission; for DMEPOS base items requiring WOPD, the supplier must have a signed SWO/WOPD prior to delivery.
- Medical record documentation must justify medical necessity for special formulas, pump use, and any other special enteral items; lack of justification will result in denial.
- Documentation of beneficiary diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is required to support coverage of in-line digestive enzyme cartridges (HCPCS B4105).
- For refill dispensing of recurring DMEPOS items and supplies, suppliers must contact the beneficiary and document an affirmative response prior to dispensing a refill; contact must occur no sooner than 30 calendar days before expected end of current supply and delivery no sooner than 10 calendar days prior to expected end.
Key Coverage Criteria
- Enteral nutrition is covered when a beneficiary requires feedings via an enteral access device to provide sufficient nutrients to maintain weight and strength commensurate with overall health and has a permanent full or partial non-function of structures that normally permit food to reach the small bowel or a disease that impairs digestion and/or absorption by the small bowel.
- Adequate nutrition must not be possible by dietary adjustment and/or oral supplements for the beneficiary to qualify for enteral nutrition coverage.
- Enteral formulas consisting of semi-synthetic intact protein/protein isolates (HCPCS B4150 or B4152) are appropriate and covered for the majority of beneficiaries requiring enteral nutrition.
- Beneficiaries with non-function of oral/pharyngeal structures due to conditions such as head and neck cancer with reconstructive surgery or central nervous system disease causing severe neuromuscular ingestion impairment may meet coverage criteria.
- Beneficiaries with impaired small bowel digestion/absorption from conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, surgical small bowel resection, cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, or advanced liver disease may meet coverage criteria.
- Enteral nutrition administered by tube feeding (e.g., nasogastric, gastrostomy, or jejunostomy tube) is medically necessary in certain circumstances. For medical necessity clinical coverage criteria, refer to the InterQual® CP: Durable Medical Equipment, Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Therapy.
11 Active Policies
L38955 — Enteral Nutrition
J19
UHC-POL-enteral-nutrition — Enteral Nutrition (Oral and Tube Feeding)
UMR-POL-UMR-enteral-nutrition — Enteral Nutrition (Oral and Tube Feeding)
SUREST-POL-SUREST-enteral-nutrition — Enteral Nutrition (Oral and Tube Feeding)
BCBSIL-MED201.011 — Nutritional Support
Related Codes
Have a follow-up question?
Ask Verity about documentation requirements, denial risks, or coverage in your state.