Your Medicare Coverage
Is my test, item, or service covered?
Diagnostic tests, X-rays, and clinical laboratory services
How often is it covered?
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers diagnostic tests, like CT scans, MRIs, EKGs, and X-rays when your doctor or other health care provider orders them as part of treating a medical problem. Medicare also covers medically necessary clinical diagnostic laboratory services ordered by your treating doctor or practitioner. Diagnostic tests and laboratory services are done to help your doctor diagnose or rule out a suspected illness or condition.
Medicare also covers some preventive services and screenings to help prevent, find, or manage a medical problem.
Who's eligible?
All people with Medicare are covered.
Your costs in Original Medicare
- In a doctor's office or independent testing facility, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered diagnostic tests and X-rays.
- In a hospital outpatient setting, you pay a copayment for diagnostic tests and X-rays.
You generally pay nothing for Medicare-covered clinical diagnostic laboratory services, and the Part B deductible doesn't apply.
Related resources
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