Prostate cancer screenings
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers digital rectal exams and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests if you’re eligible
Description
Prostate cancer screenings check for cancer in the prostate. Your doctor or other health care provider may find prostate cancer by testing the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. Your provider can also find prostate cancer during a digital rectal exam.
Who's eligible
If you’re a man over 50 (starting the day after your 50th birthday).
Costs
- Digital rectal exams: After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the digital rectal exam and for your doctor’s services related to the exam. In a hospital outpatient setting , you also pay a separate hospital visit copayment .
- PSA blood tests: You pay nothing for the PSA blood test. If you get the test from a doctor or other health care provider that doesn’t accept assignment , you may have to pay an additional fee for your doctor’s services, but not for the test itself.
How often
Once every 12 months.
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