Medicare Coverage for Colonoscopy Screenings

Getting right to it, yes, Medicare pays for colonoscopies. Coverage includes a broad range of preventive care services, including screenings.

Part B pays for colonoscopy coverage for screening services like colorectal cancer testing. Doctors use preventive tests to help expose diseases during their earliest stages.

Screenings often detect the early onset of cancer and precancerous growths (polyps). Again, costs and benefits vary.

Part B pays all costs for preventive services, including the anesthesia used during the procedure. However, coverage is only when your doctor accepts the assignment.

Meaning, the Part B deductible doesn’t apply. Over 4,500 Americans get cancer diagnosis every day, and the risk grows with age.

Screenings and cancer treatments are part of Medicare benefits. Those with a Medigap plan and Part D find their treatment has incredible coverage.

The bill following a colonoscopy for an uninsured person can range from as low as $600 to more than $5,000. Out of pocket costs are different depending on location, CPT codes, and how long it takes. Self-pay patients should consider all the fees and compare rates before shelling out hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Determining the cost of a colonoscopy can be difficult due to all the different aspects of the procedure. Moving parts include the anesthesiology, performing doctor’s fee, facility fee, prep costs, consultations, and follow-ups.

Part A or B pays for a colonoscopy in full when the procedure is preventive. The test becomes a diagnostic service when tissues or polyps are detected and removed.

Medicare pays 80% of the allowable costs, and you’re going to pay the remaining 20%. Part C offers similar or better coverage when using in-network doctors.

How much your plan pays for screening isn’t cut and dry. Many factors play into the cost of service.

Contact your carrier directly and talk to your doctor to determine an estimated value.

If your doctor suggests a colonoscopy that exceeds the amount Medicare covers, you may need to cover the balance.

Before the actual screening, ask your doctor about costs and why you need the test.

Some patients are more likely than others for a colon cancer diagnosis. These patients are known as high-risk beneficiaries by CMS. After reaching one of Medicare’s requirements, at-risk patients are covered for one colonoscopy every two years, with zero out-of-pocket costs.

Otherwise, non-high-risk patients have one screening every ten years. Of course, there are some exceptions to the rules.

If you undergo a similar procedure that doesn’t probe the entire colon, Medicare pays the full cost once every four years.

Medicare starts paying for screenings at the age of 50 until 85 years or older. Stool DNA tests are otherwise known as Cologuard. Those showing no colorectal cancer symptoms or increased risks may get one Cologuard check every three years.

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening guidelines to include all colon cancer tests, any method from ages 50 to 75.

However, Medicare pays or reimburses the costs of a colonoscopy – no matter the age. Medicare doesn’t stop paying for colonoscopies at a set age.

The American Cancer Society suggests that doctors analyze a patient’s life expectancy and overall health rather than their age.

Before a specific service, your doctor may need prior authorization from Medicare to treat your condition. Each plan option is available to qualifying members.

Many people have extra coverage. However, Medicare requires prior authorization for a colonoscopy before most advantage plans start paying.

Pre-approval means your doctor must get a green light before sending you to a Gastroenterologist.

Check with your insurance provider directly; terms are different for each coverage type.

Medicare covers colonoscopy screenings the most frequently for any high-risk patient.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services identifies you as high-risk if you meet one or more of the following:

• Having an immediate family member who has or had colorectal cancer or polyps. Direct family such as a child, sibling, or parent.
• Have a family history of colorectal cancer — a family history of familial adenomatous polyps or having Lynch syndrome.

Prep kits are often for patients before having a colonoscopy. Doctors usually order osmotic laxatives for colon cleansing and constipation. Part D drug plans and most advantage plans cover prep kits; there are both generic and name-brand options.

Co-pays may start at $20 or be as high as $112. Amounts depend on plan benefits and drug type. Generic versions are more affordable than most name-brand drugs.

One of the most popular osmotic laxatives is the Suprep Bowel Prep Kit. GoodRx prices are generally 15% less than the retail amount. Manufacturer coupons are often possible; you could pay as low as $40 for your prescription.

Although the price relies on the coverage and the plan values change after meeting the Part B deductible.

However, plans define the copayment amount for each policy.