Fecal occult blood tests (screening)
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers fecal occult blood tests if you’re eligible
Description
Fecal occult blood screening tests can help detect colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
Coverage details
Medicare covers screening fecal occult blood screenings if you get a written referral from your doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist.
Who's eligible
Medicare covers fecal occult blood tests if you’re 45 or older. If you’re under 45, Medicare doesn’t cover these tests.
Costs
- You pay nothing for this screening test if your doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment .
- If you get a positive result after a fecal occult blood screening test, Medicare also covers a follow-up colonoscopy as a screening test.
How often
Medicare covers this screening test once every 12 months.