Indiana statute requires that all children enrolled in Medicaid are to receive a blood lead level test at 12 and 24 months of age. Additionally, the state requires that any child enrolled in Medicaid between 36 and 72 months with no record of a previous blood lead test must also be tested.
Reducing the impact of lead on children
Lead is particularly dangerous because once in a person’s system, it is distributed throughout the body, causing harm wherever it lands. Exposure to lead can seriously harm a child’s health in several ways, including:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that physicians continue to provide anticipatory guidance to parents in an effort to prevent lead exposure. Pediatricians should also increase their efforts to assess children at risk for lead exposure to find those with elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs).
Additional testing should be strongly considered if children:
Questions?
Review the Indiana State Guidelines for more information on testing. For details on the test results reporting process, view Reporting Requirements from the Lead and Healthy Homes Division. For information to specific questions, call contact Provider Services at 877-610-9785.