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Diagnostic non-laboratory tests

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)  covers diagnostic non-laboratory tests (like CT scans, MRIs, EKGs, X-rays, and PET scans).

  • Covered by Part B

  • After the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount (other costs may apply) 

Description

Diagnostic non-laboratory tests help your doctor or other health care provider find or rule out an illness or condition.

Coverage details

Part B covers these tests when your provider orders them. Medicare also covers some preventive tests and screenings to help prevent or  find a medical problem.

Costs

  • After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the  Medicare-approved amount for covered diagnostic non-laboratory tests you get in your doctor’s office or in an independent diagnostic testing facility.
  • If you get the test at a hospital as an outpatient, you also pay the hospital a  copayment that may be more than 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. In most cases, this amount can't be more than the Part A hospital stay deductible.
  • If you get certain diagnostic non-laboratory tests (CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, or PET scans) from a physician, physician practice, clinic, or free-standing radiology center outside of a hospital, check with the provider before you get your test to make sure they're accredited. Medicare will only pay for your test if you get it from an accredited provider. If Medicare doesn't pay for your test because the provider isn't accredited, the provider can't bill you for the test.