Colonoscopies

Colonoscopies

Medicare covers screening colonoscopies once every 24 months if you’re at high risk for colorectal cancer. If you aren’t at high risk for colorectal cancer, Medicare covers the test once every 120 months, or 48 months after a previous flexible sigmoidoscopy. There’s no minimum age requirement.

Your costs in Original Medicare

You pay nothing for this test if your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts 

Assignment

 .

However, if a polyp or other tissue is found and removed during the colonoscopy, you may pay 20% of the 

Medicare-approved amount

 of your doctor’s services and a 

Copayment

 in a hospital setting. The Part B 

Deductible [glossary]

 doesn’t apply.

Note

To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

  • Other insurance you may have
  • How much your doctor charges
  • Whether your doctor accepts assignment
  • The type of facility
  • Where you get your test, item, or service

Note

Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and whether Medicare will pay for them.

 

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