Flexible sigmoidoscopy (screening)
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers flexible sigmoidoscopy screenings if you’re eligible
Description
Flexible sigmoidoscopy screenings examine the rectum and lower colon.
Who's eligible
Medicare covers flexible sigmoidoscopy screenings if you’re 45 or older.
Costs
- You pay nothing if your doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment .
- If your health care provider finds and removes a lesion or growth during your flexible sigmoidoscopy screening, you'll pay 15% of the
Medicare-approved amount
for your doctors' services. In a
hospital outpatient setting
or
ambulatory surgical center
, you also pay the facility a 15%
coinsurance
. In these cases, the Part B
deductible
doesn’t apply.
How often
Medicare covers a flexible sigmoidoscopy screening once every 48 months for most people 45 or older. If you aren’t at high risk, Medicare covers this test 120 months after a previous screening colonoscopy.
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