Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is Covered by Medicare

Another potential test to diagnose colon cancer is flexible sigmoidoscopy and it can be covered by Medicare in some instances when necessary.  This isn’t the most well known test to the public, though it is used regularly in the industry to diagnose and eventually treat colon cancer.  Flexible sigmoidoscopy is not always covered completely by Medicare, but you are covered in most instances for a good portion of the test.

Medicare covers this test once every 48 months for most people age 50 or older. For those not at high risk, Medicare covers this test 120 months after a previous screening colonoscopy.  Starting January 1, 2011, you pay $0 for this test if the doctor accepts assignment, and the Part B deductible doesn’t apply.

If a screening test results in the biopsy or removal of a lesion or growth, the procedure is considered diagnostic and you may have to pay coinsurance or a copayment; however the Part B deductible doesn’t apply.  This still means that you are only paying a small portion of the amount required to perform the test to diagnose colon cancer, more than worth the cost.