Medicare.gov

Flexible sigmoidoscopy screenings

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.

Your costs in Original Medicare

You pay nothing if your doctor or other health care provider accepts  assignment . If your doctor finds and removes a lesion or growth during your flexible sigmoidoscopy screening, you 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.

Find out cost

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
  • If your doctor accepts assignment
  • The type of facility
  • Where you get your test, item, or service

Frequency of services

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 if, or how much, Medicare will pay for them.

What it is

Flexible sigmoidoscopy screenings examine the rectum and lower colon.

Related resources

Is my test, item, or service covered?