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Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be. Medicare offers coverage for preventive colorectal cancer screenings, as well as diagnosis and treatment for those who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Here are some key facts about how Medicare covers colorectal cancer:
Prevention
Medicare Part B covers screenings used to detect colorectal cancer or abnormal growths that may lead to it. Preventive screenings include colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), and double-contrast barium enemas. These tests can help catch potential problems before they start and may even save your life someday.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you’re already experiencing symptoms associated with colorectal cancer, your doctor may order additional tests such as imaging scans to diagnose the disease. In those cases, Medicare Part B will also cover these costs. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, Medicare Part A will provide coverage for hospitalizations associated with diseases like colorectal cancer. During your inpatient stay at the hospital, you’ll be eligible for various treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and palliative care services.
Additional Resources
In addition to medical services related to diagnosing and treating colorectal cancer, Medicare also provides coverage for certain preventative services intended to help reduce your risk of getting this type of cancer in the first place – such as one-on-one counseling sessions with a qualified nutritionist or physical therapist who can suggest lifestyle changes individualized to your needs. To find out more about what kind of preventative care is covered by Medicare Part B, check out this page Medicare.gov.
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