Barium enemas

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers barium enemas as a screening test once every 48 months if you’re 45 or older when your doctor uses it instead of a flexible sigmoidoscopy or screening colonoscopy. If you're at high risk for colorectal cancer and are 45 or older, Medicare covers this test once every 24 months.

Your costs in Original Medicare

You pay 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount for your doctor’s services. In a hospital outpatient setting, you also pay the hospital a copayment. The Part B deductible doesn’t apply.

What it is

An X-ray exam that can detect changes or abnormalities in your large intestine (colon). These exams can help find precancerous growths or find colon cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

Is my test, item, or service covered?