The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) recommendations children receiving Medicaid and CHIP have blood lead level testing at 12 and 24 months of age.  This can be completed by a capillary blood sampling at the point of care or a venous sample.  If a capillary blood sample reveals an elevated lead level, it is recommended that a venous sample is taken due to the possibility that the capillary sample has yielded a false positive result. 

According to the AAP coding tip sheet, the following codes should be used for Lead Level Screening:

CPT code: 83655 - blood level testing

Please refer to our Lead Screening webpage for testing, treatment and scheduling recommendations. 

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021, July 26) Lead Exposure 

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2025, February  24) Bright Futures Guidelines and Pocket Guide

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Lead Screening | Medicaid

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (2016, November 30) Coverage of Blood Lead Testing for Children Enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program cib 11-30-16