Medicare.gov

Clinical laboratory tests

Medical Part B (Medical Insurance) covers medically necessary clinical diagnostic laboratory tests when your doctor or other health care provider orders them

  • Covered by Part B
  • You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment

Description

Laboratory tests include certain blood tests, urinalysis, tests on tissue specimens, and some screening tests.

Costs

You usually pay nothing for Medicare-approved clinical diagnostic laboratory tests.

Ask your doctor or healthcare provider how much your test, item, or service will cost.

Your doctor may recommend services that Medicare does not cover or offers too frequently. This could end up in additional costs for you. Make sure to ask your doctor about the reasons for these recommendations and what Medicare will actually cover.

Specific amounts you could owe depend on:

  • Other insurance you may have

  • How much your doctor charges

  • If your doctor accepts assignment

  • The type of facility

  • Where you get your test, item, or service