What Screening Services Are Covered by Medicare?
May 21, 2019 | Debby Jesser
Being proactive about your health is an important way to be empowered about your health. Annual screenings at your yearly doctor’s appointment can help ensure you’re informed about your body and health. Not sure if a screening is covered by Medicare? The Official U.S. Government Website for Medicare provides a simple and easy-to-use search feature where you can see if your service, item, or test is covered. We’ve compiled a detailed list that includes some of the most asked-about preventive and screening services.
Cardiovascular Disease Screenings
Once every five years, Medicare Part B covers cardiovascular screening blood tests that check your lipid, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. These blood tests will help doctors see if you have heart issues that could develop into a stroke or heart attack.
Diabetes Screenings
If you are a pre-diabetic or your doctor says that you are at risk for diabetes, Medicare may be able to cover up to two diabetes screenings each year. The diabetes screening lab tests are also covered if you have high blood pressure or a history of high blood sugar.
Lung Cancer Screenings
Once a year, you may be eligible to receive lung cancer screenings if you get a written order from your doctor, you have a tobacco smoking history of at least an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for thirty years, you’re between the ages of fifty-five and seventy-seven and you have quit smoking within the last fifteen years or you’re a current smoker.
Yearly Wellness Visit
Once you’ve had Medicare Part B for over twelve months, you can receive a yearly wellness visit. This wellness visit can include personalized health advice, a list of risk factors and treatment options, a review of your family and medical history and screenings. You may have a copay or coinsurance if your provider performs additional tests or services during the same visit.
Nutrition Therapy Services
Medical Insurance may cover medical nutrition therapy if you’ve have diabetes, kidney disease or had a kidney transplant in the last thirty-six months. The nutrition therapy services could include a lifestyle and nutrition assessment as well as individual and/or group nutritional therapy services.
Disclaimer: Your doctor may suggest that you get additional services more often than what Medicare can cover or they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover at all. If this occurs, you may be required to pay some or all of the costs. Make sure that you understand what services Medicare can pay for and why your doctor is recommending specific services for you.
If you want to know what’s covered under your specific plan, our Medicare experts can help. Call us at 651-444-1190 or contact us online with any questions you may have.
References: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-screening-services
