Did you know that Medicare Part B covers a wide variety of preventive screenings and services? Preventative care is important when it comes to maintaining our health. We will highlight a few of the services and screenings that are covered. This will give you a better idea about how you can engage more actively in preventative care, and make the most of your Medicare Part B coverage!
Bone Mass measurements
Medicare Part B covers this test once every 24 months for people who meet the criteria below. It is also important to note that this test may be covered more often if it’s medically necessary. This test helps to see if you’re at risk for broken bones.
Qualified people with Part B who are at risk for osteoporosis and meet one or more of these conditions:
-A woman whose doctor determines both of these (based on her medical history and other findings):She’s estrogen deficient or She’s at risk for osteoporosis
-An individual whose X-rays show possible osteoporosis, osteopenia, or vertebral fractures
-Someone who is taking prednisone or steroid-type drugs or is planning to begin this treatment
-A person who has been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism
-An individual who is being monitored to see if their osteoporosis drug therapy is working
Diabetes Screening
Medicare Part B also covers screenings to check for diabetes. You may be eligible for 2 diabetes screenings each year. Part B covers these screenings if your doctor determines you’re at rist for diabetes or you’re diagnosed with pre-diabetes. These lab tests are covered if you have any of the following risk factors:
-High blood pressure (hypertension)
-History of abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels (dyslipidemia)
-Obesity
-History of high blood sugar (glucose)
Part B also covers these tests if 2 or more of these apply to you:
-Age 65 or older
-Overweight
-Family history of diabetes (parents, brothers, sisters)
-History of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or delivery of a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
Depression Screening
Furthermore, Medicare Part B covers one depression screening per year. Everyone who has Part B is covered. The screening needs to take place in a primary care setting, like a doctor’s office so that follow up treatments can occur if necessary.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Additionally, Medicare Part B covers several types of colorectal cancer screening tests. These tests help find precancerous growths or find cancer early, when treatment is most effective. One or more of these tests may be covered:
-Screening barium enema
-Colonoscopy
– Fecal occult blood test
-Multi-target stool DNA test
All people age 50 or older with Part B are covered. People of any age are eligible for a colonoscopy.
Due to the fact that preventive and screening services are so important, it is worth taking the time to know all that Medicare Plan B has to For more information you can visit:
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-and-screening-services.html
Finally, if you have questions, or would be interested in a free consultation we would be happy to help you! Contact us today!