Testing for Lead Poisoning Now Covered by TriCare

As of March 28, 2008, TRICARE covers the lead poisoning screening diagnosis and will pay for a blood lead test (CPT code 83655) during each well-child visit from birth to age six.

Well-child services are considered preventative by TRICARE and are subject to the same cost-sharing /co-payment and authorization requirements described under the TRICARE Prime and Standard clinical preventive services benefits. Well-child care is covered for beneficiaries from birth to age six when services are provided by the attending pediatrician, family physician, family physician, certified physician assistant (TRICARE Policy Manual, Chapter 7, Section 2.5).