My doctor recommended a bone density test. Is this considered preventive care under Medicare?
Answered by 15 licensed agents
Answered by Clare Burley on April 29, 2025
Broker Licensed in CO, ID, KS & 6 other states
Answered by Larry Dalton on April 10, 2025
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Answered by Anthony Castelluccio on April 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in PA, DE, MD, NJ & VA
1-You're a woman whose doctor determines you are estrogen deficient and are at risk for osteoporosis
2-Your X-rays show possible osteoporosis, osteopenia, or vertebral fractures
3-You're taking prednisone or steroid-type drugs, or are planning to begin this treatment
4-You've been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism
5-You're being monitored to see if your osteoporosis drug therapy is working
There may be other reasons, depending on your personal medical history, that would cause your doctor to request more frequent scans.
Answered by Cynthia Nakaya on April 7, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, CO, GA, MO & TX
Answered by Alyssa Gonzales on April 3, 2025
Broker Licensed in TN, CO, IA & 9 other states
Answered by Diana Salisbury on April 19, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH, IN & MI
You’re a woman whose doctor determines you’re estrogen-deficient and at risk for osteoporosis, based on your medical history and other findings.
Your X-rays show possible osteoporosis, osteopenia, or vertebral fractures.
You’re taking prednisone or steroid-type drugs or are planning to begin this treatment.
You’ve been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism.
You’re being monitored to see if your osteoporosis drug therapy is working.
SO, if you have a Medicare supplement plan you may have to pay the Part B Deductible of $257 in 2025. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan it is probably covered in full under a Preventative benefit.
Questions? You can call me, Brian Leichner at 402.708.6616. My agency is licensed in all 50 States.
Answered by Brian Leichner on May 6, 2025
Agent Licensed in NE, AZ, CO & IA, KS, MO & TN
Elaboration:
Preventive Care:
Medicare Part B covers routine preventive and outpatient services, including tests ordered by your doctor to diagnose or monitor certain health conditions. Bone density tests are considered a preventive service because they help diagnose and manage osteoporosis, a condition that can increase the risk of fractures.
Coverage Criteria:
To qualify for coverage, you typically need to meet one or more of the following criteria:
You are a woman whose doctor has determined you are estrogen deficient and at risk for osteoporosis.
Your X-rays show possible osteoporosis, osteopenia, or vertebral fractures.
You are taking or will begin taking prednisone or steroid-type drugs.
You have been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism.
You are being monitored to see if your osteoporosis drug therapy is working.
Frequency:
Generally, Medicare will cover a bone density test once every 24 months for preventive screening. However, more frequent testing may be covered if your doctor deems it medically necessary, for example, if you are being monitored for osteoporosis treatment.
Medically Necessary:
If a bone density test is ordered to diagnose a specific condition or monitor a patient's condition, it might be considered a medically necessary service, even if it doesn't qualify as a routine preventive screening.
Answered by Fred Manas on May 19, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states
Answered by Marcie Barnes on April 19, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 48 other states
Answered by Suzanne Lamperti on April 23, 2025
Broker Licensed in MD
Answered by Wild Bill Anderson on April 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers this test once every 24 months (or more often if medically necessary) if you meet one or more of these conditions:
You’re a woman whose doctor determines you’re estrogen-deficient and at risk for osteoporosis, based on your medical history and other findings.
Your X-rays show possible osteoporosis, osteopenia, or vertebral fractures.
You’re taking prednisone or steroid-type drugs or are planning to begin this treatment.
You’ve been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism.
You’re being monitored to see if your osteoporosis drug therapy is working.
You pay nothing for this test if the doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment.
Answered by Donnie Vermillion on May 5, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX
Tags: Coverage Medicare Part B
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