Clinical UM Guideline

This document addresses the uses of chelation therapy. Chelation therapy uses naturally occurring or chemically designed molecules to reduce potentially dangerous levels of heavy metals within the body. Chelation therapy is routinely performed for cases of iron overload, lead poisoning, copper toxicity, and other heavy metal-related conditions. This document is not applicable to agents used for the treatment of drug overdose or toxicities.

Note: For a high-level overview of this document, please see “Summary for Members and Families” below. 

Medically Necessary:

Chelation therapy is considered medically necessary treatment for individuals with relevant clinical findings suggestive of heavy metal toxicity and a probable exposure history in any of the following conditions when confirmed by laboratory testing*:

1. Individuals with disorders of iron metabolism (for example, primary or secondary hemochromatosis); or
2. Lead overload in cases of acute or long-term lead exposure; or
3. Individuals with disorders of copper metabolism (for example, Wilson disease); or
4. Arsenic, mercury, iron, copper, or gold poisoning when long-term exposure and toxicity has been confirmed; or
5. Aluminum overload in individuals on chronic hemodialysis.

*Note: Laboratory testing to confirm heavy metal toxicity should include blood or plasma specimens. In the case of suspected arsenic or mercury toxicity, it may be more appropriate to confirm diagnosis through a non-challenged urinalysis.

Not Medically Necessary:

Chelation therapy is considered not medically necessary for the treatment of all other conditions, including but not limited to, when the medically necessary criteria above have not been met.

This document describes clinical studies and expert recommendations, and explains whether chelation therapy is clinically appropriate. The following summary does not replace the medical necessity criteria or other information in this document. The summary may not contain all of the relevant criteria or information. This summary is not medical advice. Please check with your healthcare provider for any advice about your health.

Key Information

Chelation therapy is a treatment that removes harmful metals, such as lead, iron, copper, mercury, arsenic, or aluminum, from the body. It uses special medicines called chelating agents that bind to metals in the blood so they can leave the body through urine or stool. Chelation therapy is well established and helpful when a person has proven heavy metal poisoning confirmed by blood or urine tests. It can prevent serious harm to organs such as the brain, liver, heart, and kidneys. However, it can also remove important minerals like calcium and zinc, which can cause side effects. Chelation therapy has also been studied for other health problems, such as heart disease, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, autism spectrum disorder, and diabetes. So far, studies have not shown clear health benefits for these uses. Because of possible risks and uncertain benefit, it is only considered appropriate for certain cases of confirmed heavy metal overload.

What the Studies Show

Chelation therapy works by giving medicines that attach to heavy metals in the bloodstream. These metal and medicine combinations are then removed from the body in the stool or urine. When heavy metal poisoning is confirmed with proper blood or urine testing, many high quality studies show that chelation therapy can lower metal levels and reduce organ damage. It is important that testing uses blood or plasma samples. For suspected arsenic or mercury poisoning, a urine test without giving a chelating drug first is preferred. Testing urine after giving a chelating drug, called post challenge testing, should not be used to decide if treatment is needed.

Chelation therapy also has risks. These medicines can bind to helpful minerals like calcium and zinc. This may lead to side effects and, in severe cases, serious health problems. Some people may need hospital care during treatment so doctors can monitor for harm. Chelation therapy has been studied for heart disease. In a large study of people who previously had a heart attack, treatment with edetate disodium, also called EDTA (Endrate), showed a small reduction in some heart related events. However, the researchers stated that the results were not strong enough to support routine use. Studies of chelation therapy for Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, autism spectrum disorder, and diabetes have not shown proven health benefits. For example, a review study found no evidence linking mercury poisoning to autism and found little data showing benefit from chelation therapy in children with developmental conditions. Better studies are needed to know if chelation therapy improves health for these conditions.

When is Chelation Therapy Clinically Appropriate?

Chelation therapy may be appropriate in these situations:

• The person has confirmed iron overload due to disorders of iron metabolism, such as primary or secondary hemochromatosis; or
• The person has lead poisoning from sudden or long term exposure, confirmed by blood testing; or
• The person has a disorder of copper metabolism, such as Wilson disease; or
• The person has confirmed poisoning from arsenic, mercury, iron, copper, or gold after long term exposure; or
• The person has aluminum overload and is receiving long term hemodialysis.

In all cases, heavy metal toxicity must be confirmed by appropriate laboratory testing before treatment.

When is this not Clinically Appropriate?

Chelation therapy is not clinically appropriate for conditions other than those listed above.

Chelation therapy has been studied for heart disease, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, autism spectrum disorder, diabetes, and other conditions. Studies have not proven that it improves health in these situations. In heart disease, a large clinical trial showed only modest effects, and researchers concluded that the findings were not strong enough to recommend routine use. A review study found no evidence that mercury causes autism and found little data that chelation therapy helps children with developmental conditions. Because benefits have not been clearly shown and there are real risks, the possible harms may outweigh the benefits. Unnecessary or unproven tests and treatments can lead to needless worry, or to treatment that does not help. Chelation therapy is not clinically appropriate in scenarios other than those listed above.

(Return to Description)

The following codes for treatments and procedures applicable to this guideline are included below for informational purposes. Inclusion or exclusion of a procedure, diagnosis or device code(s) does not constitute or imply member coverage or provider reimbursement policy. Please refer to the member's contract benefits in effect at the time of service to determine coverage or non-coverage of these services as it applies to an individual member.

When services may be Medically Necessary when criteria are met:

When services are Not Medically Necessary:
For the procedure and diagnosis codes listed above when criteria are not met or for all other diagnoses not listed; or when the code describes a procedure designated in the Clinical Indications section as not medically necessary.

Summary

Chelation therapy is a medical treatment that uses chelating agents to bind heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and excess iron, in the bloodstream so they can be excreted through the urinary or gastrointestinal systems, thereby reducing organ damage. It is well established and clinically beneficial when used for properly diagnosed heavy metal overload, including severe lead toxicity, with specific guidelines outlining when treatment is appropriate for adults and children. However, its use for other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, autism spectrum disorders, and diabetes, remains unproven or insufficiently supported by evidence. Large studies, including the TACT trial in coronary artery disease, have shown at most modest benefits that are not sufficient to recommend routine use. Chelation therapy also carries risks, including depletion of essential minerals like zinc and calcium, and may require close medical monitoring in severe cases. Overall, chelation is an accepted treatment for confirmed heavy metal toxicity but remains controversial and largely unsupported for other proposed indications.

Discussion

Chelation therapy involves the administration of drugs that bind heavy metal ions such as lead, arsenic, iron, and mercury in the blood stream preventing their interaction with vital organs, such as the brain and kidneys. Drugs used in the administration of chelation therapy are known as chelating agents. The abnormal presence of metals in the blood stream can be the result of environmental exposure, including ingestion of contaminated water and food or inhalation of tainted air. One common cause of lead exposure is in older buildings (built before 1978) in which lead based-paints have been used and not abated. Occupational exposure may occur in industrial processes such as ore smelting and mining, as well as chemical production. Some medical conditions may result in the accumulation of iron in the blood, leading to health problems. Chelation therapy reduces the accumulation of essential heavy metals, such as iron and copper or nonessential metals, such as lead and aluminum. Once the chelation agent has bound with metal ion, the combined substance is more easily excreted by the body through the urinary and GI systems. Specific chelating agents are used to bind specific heavy metals.

Chelation therapy has been proposed as a treatment for the removal of heavy metal ions to reduce cellular oxidative damage caused by the production of hydroxyl radicals. This therapy is under investigation for the treatment of numerous non-overload conditions including, but not limited to, cardiovascular disease, reperfusion injury during coronary angioplasty or cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, anthracycline-associated cardiac damage, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and rheumatoid arthritis.

Chelation agents also have potential toxicity. Chelation agents have been known to bind elements in the body which are necessary for regular functioning, including zinc and calcium. Large doses of vitamins usually accompany the use of chelation agents to lessen these types of side effects. When there is life threatening heavy metal toxicity necessitating treatment with high doses of chelating agents, treatment in the hospital may be needed to monitor for possible side effects. Under less urgent circumstances, chelating agents may be administered on an outpatient basis.

Heavy Metal Overload

Chelation therapy has been well established to provide substantial clinical benefit for conditions where heavy metal overload has been accurately diagnosed (Angelucci, 2020; Botzenhardt, 2017; Cid, 2014; Delforge, 2014; Franchini, 2000; Guha Mazumder, 2001; Liu, 2020; Maggio, 2020 Mainous, 2014; NCCN, 2026; Rogan, 2001; Sarocchi, 2023; Shimizu, 1999; Waters, 2001; Yang, 2019 and 2022; Zeidan, 2019). The diagnostic workup must consider the individual’s history, an appropriate choice of testing methods, and the use of accurate and specific reference values. With specific regard to urine testing, the diagnosis and use of chelation therapy should not be performed based on post-challenge urine testing. In post-challenge or post-provoked urine testing, the individual is first given a chelating agent followed by urine testing for heavy metals.

With appropriate heavy metal toxicity diagnosis, several studies published in the peer-reviewed medical literature have established that chelation therapy can be useful in binding toxic metal ions and facilitating their excretion through the liver or kidneys, and mitigating the morbidity associated with heavy metal toxicity such as end organ damage and impaired neurologic functioning.

Dental Amalgam

Dental amalgams have been investigated as a cause of increased blood levels of mercury, potentially associated with a number of diseases and disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome and Alzheimer disease. The American Dental Association (ADA) states the following on dental amalgam (2025):

Study after study shows amalgam is safe and effective for filling cavities. The American Dental Association, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization all agree that based on extensive scientific evidence, dental amalgam is a safe and effective cavity-filling material. The Alzheimer’s Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Autism Society of America and National Multiple Sclerosis Society—all science-based organizations like the ADA—also say that amalgam poses no health risk. 

Chelation therapy has been proposed as a treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD), based in part on the hypothesis that chelation could remove atherosclerotic calcium deposits or provide an antioxidant benefit (Dans, 2003;). One small placebo-controlled randomized study of 84 individuals with atherosclerotic heart disease did not report any advantage of chelation therapy, as measured by time to ischemia, at 27 weeks of follow-up (Anderson, 2003; Knudtson, 2002). The use of chelation therapy in lieu of established therapies, the lack of adequate prior research to verify its effectiveness and clinical utility, and the overall impact of CAD prompted the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to sponsor a large-scale clinical study. The 5-year Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) in CAD began recruiting individuals in March of 2003. This multicenter, randomized, double-blind study enrolled more than 1600 participants aged 50 or older who had a history of heart attack. The study tested whether chelation therapy with edetate disodium or high-dose vitamin therapy are effective for the treatment of CAD. The primary study endpoint of this trial was a composite of heart attack, stroke, hospitalization for angina, coronary revascularization, and death. The study also evaluated cardiac deaths, nonfatal heart attacks, health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), and cost effectiveness, among other factors. Final results indicated that among stable individuals with a history of heart attack, an intravenous chelation regimen with disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), when compared with placebo, modestly reduced the risk of negative cardiovascular outcomes, particularly revascularization procedures. Study authors emphasized that these results are insufficient to support the routine use of chelation therapy for treatment of individuals who have previously suffered from a heart attack (Escolar, 2014; Lamas, 2013 and 2014).

Additional follow-up reports from the TACT study have reported on the differential impact of edetate disodium based on several factors, including infarct location, level of insulin therapy in individuals with diabetes, and different heavy metals (Alam, 2020; Escolar, 2022; Lamas, 2024; Lewis, 2020). While these publications have all reported findings of interest, they have not sufficiently demonstrated that the use of edetate disodium chelation resulted in a significant, durable impact on health outcomes related to either CAD or diabetes.

Lead Overload

Lead overload is the most common form of heavy metal toxicity and the most common methods of domestic lead exposure resulting from children consuming contaminated paint chips, ingesting contaminated food or water, and breathing in lead dust. Commercial and industrial exposures are most frequently seen in mining and ore processing, recycling, and manufacturing industries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) published their Medical Management Guidelines for Lead in 2014. They state the following:

There is no antidote for lead. Treatment of lead poisoning consists of removal from the source of exposure.

Chelation therapy should be considered for treatment of severe symptoms or markedly elevated blood lead levels. Chelation therapy is controversial in cases of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic intoxication and should never be given prophylactically or during ongoing lead exposure. Once initiated, chelation therapy should be continued until symptoms improve and acceptable blood lead levels are achieved.

Adults: In the presence of severe encephalopathy or when blood lead levels exceed 100 µg/dL, chelation should start with dimercaprol (BAL) followed in 4 hours by another dose of BAL and either succimer (if oral administration is tolerated) or CaNa2-EDTA (if intravenous infusion is required). BAL treatment is phased out while treatment with one of the other chelating agents is continued (typically for 5 days), followed by decreased or interrupted dosing because continued chelator usage is associated with decreasing amounts of urinary lead excretion (Dart et al. 2004).

Children: Use of chelators is not recommended for blood lead levels less than 25 µg/dL. At blood lead levels between 25 and 45 µg/dL, oral chelators may be of benefit if elevated blood levels persist following environmental intervention. Children with blood lead levels between 45 and 70 µg/dL should undergo chelation, usually with oral succimer; those with encephalopathy or with blood lead levels in excess of 70 µg/dL should be admitted to the hospital for parenteral therapy with BAL and EDTA. Therapy begins with BAL intramuscularly every 4 hours, establishment of adequate urinary output (hydration as needed), followed by CaNa2-EDTA continuous infusion. CaNa2-EDTA may be administered intramuscularly in divided doses every 4 hours. This combined therapy is continued for 5 days while liver and renal functions and blood lead levels are monitored. If blood lead levels rebound after 2 days without chelation therapy, a second course of therapy may be necessary (Dart et al. 2004).

The Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units and the American Academy of Pediatrics (PEHSU and AAP, 2021) provided the following statement regarding blood lead testing:

Lead Level > 44 µg/dL
Emergently admit all symptomatic children to a hospital; if there is evidence of significant central nervous system pathology, consider pediatric intensive care unit admission. If asymptomatic, consider hospitalization and/or chelation therapy (managed with the assistance of an experienced provider). Chelation in the context of ongoing exposure is ineffective and may result in increasing lead levels in the central nervous system. Factors that may influence management include the status of the home with respect to lead hazards, ability to isolate the lead source, family social situation, and chronicity of the exposure. An elevated blood zinc-chelated protoporphyrin level (ZPP) can confirm either an iron-deficiency anemia as a comorbidity in the lead-poisoned child or, if there is no iron deficiency present, a more chronic lead exposure. Contact your regional PEHSU or Poison Control Center (PCC) (1-800- 222-1222) for assistance.

Finally, the CDC’s Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level (2025) includes their recommended actions based on blood lead level. They state chelation therapy is recommended for blood lead levels ≥45 µg/dL.

Other Conditions

Chelation therapy has been investigated as a treatment for a wide variety of diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer disease (Sampson, 2014), Parkinson disease (Devos, 2014), autism spectrum disorders (James, 2015), and diabetes (Escolar, 2014). The scientific evidence supporting the clinical utility of such methods is insufficient to recommend the use of chelation therapy. A meta-analysis by Ng and colleagues (2007) evaluated chronic mercury exposure in children and adolescents. The authors concluded that there was “no evidence to support the association between mercury poisoning and autism” and “there is a lack of data in the literature about the effect of chelation therapy in children with neuro-developmental disabilities.” The causal role of heavy metal overload in these conditions, as well as the clinical benefit of chelation therapy is still being investigated.

The American Heart Association (AHA), American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA), Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) published their Guideline For The Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Stable Ischemic Heart Disease in 2014. That document states the following:

Table 2. Recommendation for Chelation Therapy 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A collection of associated developmental disorders that affect the parts of the brain associated with social interaction and verbal and non-verbal communication.

Primary hemochromatosis: A rare genetic disease that results in the overabundance of iron in the liver, brain, heart, and kidneys, causing liver dysfunction, diabetes, changes in skin pigmentation, heart problems, arthritis, and testicular atrophy.

Secondary hemochromatosis: A type of hemochromatosis which is usually the result of another condition or disease that causes the overabundance of iron. This disease and condition may include anemias, chronic liver diseases, and the requirement of blood transfusions.

Sickle cell disease: An inherited genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to take on a characteristic crescent or sickle-like shape with decreased ability to carry oxygen.

Sideroblastic anemia: A condition in which there is excess iron in the bone cells.

Thalassemia intermedia: A genetic form of anemia in which there is an abnormality in the oxygen carrying portion of red blood cells.

Wilson disease: An inherited (autosomal recessive) disorder where excessive quantities of copper build up in the body, particularly in the liver and central nervous system.

Peer Reviewed Publications:

1. Alam ZH, Ujueta F, Arenas IA, et al. Urinary metal levels after repeated edetate disodium infusions: preliminary findings. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020; 17(13):4684.
2. Anderson TJ, Hubacek J, Wyse DG, Knudtson ML. Effect of chelation therapy on endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease: PATCH study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2003; 41(3):420-425.
3. Angelucci E, Li J, Greenberg P, et al. Iron chelation in transfusion-dependent patients with low- to intermediate-1-risk myelodysplastic syndromes: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2020; 172(8):513-522.
4. Ballas SK, Zeidan AM, Duong V, et al. The effect of iron chelation therapy on overall survival in sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia: a systematic review. Am J Hematol. 2018; 93(7):943-952.
5. Bellinger DC, Trachtenberg F, Barregard L, et al. Neuropsychological and renal effects of dental amalgam in children: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2006: 295(25):1775-1783.
6. Botzenhardt S, Li N, Chan EW, et al. Safety profiles of iron chelators in young patients with haemoglobinopathies. Eur J Haematol. 2017; 98(3):198-217.
7. Casale M, Citarella S, Filosa A, et al. Endocrine function and bone disease during long-term chelation therapy with deferasirox in patients with β-thalassemia major. Am J Hematol. 2014; 89(12):1102-1106.
8. Cid J, Palomera L, Díaz M, et al. Clinical characteristics and management of iron overload in 631 patients with chronic transfusion dependency: results from a multicentre, observational study. Blood Transfus. 2014; 12(Suppl 1):s119-s123.
9. Cohen AR, Martin MB. Iron chelation therapy in sickle cell disease. Semin Hematol. 2001; 38(Suppl 1):69-72.
10. Delforge M, Selleslag D, Beguin Y, et al. Adequate iron chelation therapy for at least six months improves survival in transfusion-dependent patients with lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Leuk Res. 2014; 38(5):557-563.
11. Devos D, Moreau C, Devedjian JC, et al. Targeting chelatable iron as a therapeutic modality in Parkinson's disease. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2014; 21(2):195-210.
12. Escolar E, Lamas GA, Mark DB, et al. The effect of an EDTA-based chelation regimen on patients with diabetes mellitus and prior myocardial infarction in the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT). Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2014; 7(1):15-24.
13. Escolar E, Ujueta F, Kim H, et al. Possible differential benefits of edetate disodium in post-myocardial infarction patients with diabetes treated with different hypoglycemic strategies in the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT). J Diabetes Complications. 2020; 34(8):107616.
14. Franchini M, Gandini G, de Gironcoli M, et al. Safety and efficacy of subcutaneous bolus injection of deferoxamine in adult patients with iron overload. Blood. 2000; 95(9):2776-2779.
15. Goulas V, Kouraklis-Symeonidis A, Manousou K, et al. A multicenter cross-sectional study of the quality of life and iron chelation treatment satisfaction of patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, in routine care settings in Western Greece. Qual Life Res. 2021; 30(2):467-477.
16. Guha Mazumder DN, De BK, Santra A, et al. Randomized placebo-controlled trial of 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonate (DMPS) in therapy of chronic arsenicosis due to drinking arsenic-contaminated water. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 2001; 39(7):665-674.
17. Ho PJ, Tay L, Teo J, et al. Cardiac iron load and function in transfused patients treated with deferasirox (the MILE study). Eur J Haematol. 2017; 98(2):97-105.
18. Knudtson ML, Wyse DG, Galbraith PD, et al. Chelation therapy for ischemic heart disease: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2002; 287(4):481-486.
19. Lamas GA, Anstrom KJ, Navas-Acien A, et al.; TACT2 Investigators. Edetate disodium-based chelation for patients with a previous myocardial infarction and diabetes: TACT2 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2024; 332(10):794-803.
20. Lamas GA, Boineau R, Goertz C, et al. EDTA chelation therapy alone and in combination with oral high-dose multivitamins and minerals for coronary disease: the factorial group results of the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy. Am Heart J. 2014; 168(1):37-44.
21. Lamas GA, Goertz C, Boineau R, et al. Effect of disodium EDTA chelation regimen on cardiovascular events in patients with pervious myocardial infarction: the TACT randomized trial. JAMA. 2013; 309(12):1241-1250.
22. Lewis EF, Ujueta F, Lamas GA, et al. Differential outcomes with edetate disodium-based treatment among stable post anterior vs. non-anterior myocardial infarction patients. Cardiovasc Revasc Med. 2020; 21(11):1389-1395.
23. Liu H, Yang N, Meng S, et al. Iron chelation therapy for myelodysplastic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Med. 2020; 20(1):1-9.
24. Maggio A, Kattamis A, Felisi M, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of deferiprone compared with deferasirox in paediatric patients with transfusion-dependent haemoglobinopathies (DEEP-2): a multicentre, randomised, open-label, non-inferiority, phase 3 trial. Lancet Haematol. 2020; 7(6):e469-e478.
25. Mainous AG, Tanner RJ, Hulihan MM, et al. The impact of chelation therapy on survival in transfusional iron overload: a meta-analysis of myelodysplastic syndrome. Br J Haematol. 2014; 167(5):720-723.
26. Ng DK, Chan CH, Soo MT, Lee RS. Low-level chronic mercury exposure in children and adolescents: meta-analysis. Pediatr Int. 2007; 49(1):80-87.
27. Rogan WJ. Safety and efficacy of succimer in toddlers with blood lead levels of 20-44 microg/dL. Treatment of lead-exposed children (TLC) trial group. Pediatr Res. 2000; 48(5):593-599.
28. Rogan WJ, Dietrich KN, Ware JH, et al. The effect of chelation therapy with succimer on neuropsychological development in children exposed to lead. N Engl J Med. 2001; 344(19):1421-1426.
29. Rombos Y, Tzanetea R, Konstantopoulos K, et al. Chelation therapy in patients with thalassemia using the orally active iron chelator deferiprone (L1). Haematologica. 2000; 85(2):115-117.
30. Sarocchi M, Li J, Li X, et al. Cardiac effects of deferasirox in transfusion-dependent patients with myelodysplastic syndromes: TELESTO study. Br J Haematol. 2024; 204(5):2049-2056.
31. Shimizu N, Yamaguchi Y, Aoki T. Treatment and management of Wilson's disease. Pediatr Int. 1999; 41(4):419-422.
32. Taher AT, Cappellini MD, Aydinok Y, et al. Optimising iron chelation therapy with deferasirox for non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia patients: 1-year results from the THETIS study. Blood Cells Mol Dis. 2016; 57:23-29.
33. Waters RS, Bryden NA, Patterson KY, et al. EDTA chelation effects on urinary losses of cadmium, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, magnesium, and zinc. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2001; 83(3):207-221.
34. Yang W, Zhao X, He G, et al. Iron chelation of hetrombopag in aplastic anemia: a post hoc analysis of a phase II study. Ann Hematol. 2022; 101(12):2611-2616.
35. Yang Y, Tang Z, An T, Zhao L. The impact of iron chelation therapy on patients with lower/intermediate IPSS MDS and the prognostic role of elevated serum ferritin in patients with MDS and AML: a meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019; 98(40):e17406.
36. Yawn BP, Buchanan GR, Afenyi-Annan AN, et al. Management of sickle cell disease: summary of the 2014 evidence-based report by expert panel members. JAMA. 2014; 312(10):1033-1048.
37. Zeidan AM, Giri S, DeVeaux M, et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of iron chelation therapy on overall survival and disease progression in patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Ann Hematol. 2019; 98(2):339-350.

Government Agency, Medical Society, and Other Authoritative Publications:

1. American Dental Association. Dental amalgam. February 2026. Available at: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-amalgam. Accessed on May 6, 2026.
2. Baum C, Hauptman M, Newman N, Woolf A. Recommendations on management of childhood lead exposure: a resource for health professionals. Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units and the American Academy of Pediatrics. September 2021. Available at: https://www.pehsu.net/lib_facts/pehsu_fact_sheet_lead_management_for_health_professionals.pdf. Accessed on May 6, 2026.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About childhood lead poisoning prevention. August 21, 2025. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/overview.html. Accessed on May 6, 2026.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Medical management guidelines for lead. Last reviewed October 21, 2014. Available at: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/MMG/MMGDetails.aspx?mmgid=1203&toxid=22#:~:text=Can%20lead%20poisoning%20be%20treated,higher%20than%2045%20%C2%B5g%2FdL. Accessed on May 6, 2026.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended actions based on blood lead level: summary of recommendations for follow-up and case management of children based on initial screening capillary and confirmed* venous blood lead levels. August 21, 2025. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/hcp/clinical-guidance/index.html. Accessed on May 6, 2026.
6. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Available at: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search.aspx. Accessed on May 6, 2026.
   • National Coverage Determination: Chelation therapy for treatment of atherosclerosis. NCD #20.21. Effective date 01/01/1966.
   • National Coverage Determination: Ethylenediamine-Tetra-Acetic (EDTA) Chelation therapy for treatment of atherosclerosis. NCD #20.22. Effective date 01/01/1966.
7. Dart RC, Hurlburt KM, Boyer-Hassen LV. 2004. Lead. In: Dart RC, Caravati EM, McCuigan MA, et al. 2004. Medical toxicology. 3rd edition. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1423-1431.
8. Fihn SD, Blankenship JC, Alexander KP, et al.; American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines; American Association for Thoracic Surgery; Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association; Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions; Society of Thoracic Surgeons. 2014 ACC/AHA/AATS/PCNA/SCAI/STS focused update of the guideline for the diagnosis and management of patients with stable ischemic heart disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines, and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2015; 149(3):e5-e23.
9. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology®. © 2026 National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. For additional information visit the NCCN website: http://www.nccn.org/index.asp. Accessed on February 16, 2026.
   • Myelodysplastic Syndromes V3.2026- January 12, 2026
10.  Villarruz-Sulit MV, Forster R, Dans AL, Tan FN, Sulit DV. Chelation therapy for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;(5):CD002785.

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Prevention of childhood lead toxicity. How is lead poisoning treated? April 1, 2025. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/lead-exposure/treatment-of-lead-poisoning/. Accessed on May 6, 2026.  
2. American Academy of Pediatrics. Prevention of childhood lead toxicity. June 2, 2025. Available at: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/lead-exposure/lead-exposure-policy/. Accessed on May 6, 2026.
3. National Institutes of Health:
   • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Disease and conditions index, blood diseases. What is thalassemia? Updated on May 31, 2022. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/thalassemia. Accessed on May 6, 2026.
   • National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Chelation for coronary heart disease: what you need to know. Last Updated August 2024. Available at: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/chelation. Accessed on May 6, 2026.
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). CDRH consumer information. Dental amalgams. Updated February 18, 2021. Rockville, MD: FDA. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DentalProducts/DentalAmalgam/default.htm. Accessed on May 16, 2026.
5. World health Organization. Lead poisoning. September 27, 2024. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and-health. Accessed on February 16, 2026.

Autism
BAL
Calcium disodium Versenate^®
Calcium EDTA
CaNa2-EDTA
Cooley anemia
Deferoxamine mesylate
Desferal^®
Desferrioxamine
Dimercaprol
DMSA
Edathamil calcium disodium
Edathamil disodium
Edetate calcium disodium
Hemochromatosis
Pervasive Development Disorders
Sodium calcium EDTA
Wilson Disease

The use of specific product names is illustrative only. It is not intended to be a recommendation of one product over another, and is not intended to represent a complete listing of all products available.

Federal and State law, as well as contract language including definitions and specific coverage provisions/exclusions, and Medical Policy take precedence over Clinical UM Guidelines and must be considered first in determining eligibility for coverage. The member's contract benefits in effect on the date that services are rendered must be used. Clinical UM Guidelines, which address medical efficacy, should be considered before utilizing medical opinion in adjudication. Medical technology is constantly evolving, and we reserve the right to review and update Clinical UM Guidelines periodically. Clinical UM guidelines are used when the plan performs utilization review for the subject. Due to variances in utilization patterns, each plan may choose whether or not to adopt a particular Clinical UM Guideline. To determine if review is required for this Clinical UM Guideline, please contact the customer service number on the back of the member's card.

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