Part B of Medicare covers certain Colorectal Cancer Screenings in order to find cancer early, or detect precancerous growths. Early detection of cancer means treatment is more effective.
The following tests may be covered:
Fecal Occult Blood Test— Covered once every 12 months if you are 50 or over. The test doesn't cost you anything but you will have to pay the 20% for your doctor visit (unless you have insurance that takes care of it)
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy— Every 48 months if 50 or over, or 120 months after a previous screening colonoscopy for those not at high risk. If the doctor accepts assignment you do not have to pay for this test.
Colonoscopy— Once every 120 months (high risk every 24 months) or 48 months after a previous flexible sigmoidoscopy. If the doctor accepts assignment you do not have to pay anything.
Barium Enema—Once every 48 months if 50 or over (high risk every 24 months) when used instead of a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. You have to pay 20% of the Medicare approved amount for the doctor’s services and if conducted in a hospital you will have to pay the hospital a copayment.
The following tests may be covered:
Fecal Occult Blood Test— Covered once every 12 months if you are 50 or over. The test doesn't cost you anything but you will have to pay the 20% for your doctor visit (unless you have insurance that takes care of it)
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy— Every 48 months if 50 or over, or 120 months after a previous screening colonoscopy for those not at high risk. If the doctor accepts assignment you do not have to pay for this test.
Colonoscopy— Once every 120 months (high risk every 24 months) or 48 months after a previous flexible sigmoidoscopy. If the doctor accepts assignment you do not have to pay anything.
Barium Enema—Once every 48 months if 50 or over (high risk every 24 months) when used instead of a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. You have to pay 20% of the Medicare approved amount for the doctor’s services and if conducted in a hospital you will have to pay the hospital a copayment.