Changes to OHIP Coverage of Vitamin D Testing

Effective December 1, 2010, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) will only cover 25-hydroxy vitamin D tests for patients with the following medical conditions:

• Osteoporosis and Osteopenia
• Rickets
• Malabsorption Syndromes
• Renal Disease
• Patients on medications that affect vitamin D metabolism

For people without the medical conditions listed above, the cost of a vitamin D test will no longer be covered by OHIP. Physicians and nurse practitioners can still order them, but patients will be responsible for payment.

The OAML has worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to apply the best available evidence to health service delivery.

Implementation plans for the new regulation for Vitamin D testing have been developed and are supported by the Ministry and key partners, including the OAML.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's Medical Advisory Secretariat (MAS) and Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee (OHTAC) report on vitamin D testing was first published in February 2010
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OHTAC's final revised recommendation was released in June 2010
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The joint Ministry / OAML approach to vitamin D testing is based on the OHTAC's revised June 2010 "Clinical Utility of Vitamin D" recommendation, which concluded that the best available medical evidence does not support routine vitamin D testing in the general population.

The OAML's guideline addressing vitamin D testing was developed based on OHTAC's February 2010 analysis and other current literature. The OAML will continue to monitor evidence related to the clinical utility of vitamin D testing and may update its guideline, in accordance with OAML policies, at a later time.

The OAML will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to support the delivery of services that are evidence-based and quality-driven.

For more information please visit the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's website >>>

It is important to discuss vitamin D supplementation, with your healthcare provider. Your health care provider is in the best possible position to give advice about vitamin D, healthy eating, and how to properly supplement your diet.