Serum Iron Studies

Serum iron studies (ferritin, serum iron, and either TIBC or transferrin) are covered to evaluate suspected iron deficiency or iron overload, to monitor response to iron-directed therapy, and to assess iron status in chronic renal disease or after exposures to toxic metals when results will affect management. These tests should not be used solely to assess acute phase reactants when management will not change; repeat ferritin testing after a documented normal result is generally unnecessary unless the patient's condition changes. For ESRD patients, ferritin testing more frequently than every three months requires documentation of medical necessity, and it is ordinarily unnecessary to perform redundant tests (e.g., both transferrin and TIBC or both ferritin and iron/TIBC) concurrently.

"Serum ferritin, serum iron, and either TIBC or transferrin are covered to evaluate suspected iron deficiency anemia when CBC abnormalities are present (decreased MCV, decreased hemoglobin/hematocri..."