Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Fecal microbiota transplant from healthy in unhealthy intestine, FMT. Improvement intestinal microflora and normalization stool by introducing beneficial bacteria in bowel colon tract. Vector stock illustration

By Daniel Petkevich

Dec 2, 2022

Usually not, but you might qualify

If you are interested in a Fecal Microbiota Transplantation, your coverage might depend on where you live. There currently is no national coverage position, but you might still get coverage if it's deemed medically necessary and you get approval. Let's learn more about if an FMT is right for you.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

What is an FMT and what are its benefits?

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is a medical procedure in which healthy bacteria from one individual's gastrointestinal tract are transplanted into another person's. FMT helps to restore balance in the digestive system, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health. It is particularly beneficial for those suffering from Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infections, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease, as it has been found to be effective in treating these conditions.

What is the process of getting an FMT?

In most cases, an FMT is offered through a physician or clinic in the form of either a colonoscopy or an enema. After determining that you are a suitable candidate for an FMT, your doctor will collect and prepare the healthy donor stool sample needed for the transplantation. This sample is then carefully injected into your gastrointestinal tract with an endoscope or through an enema.

Medicare coverage of an FMT

At this time, Medicare does not have a national coverage determination for FMT. This means that Medicare will only cover FMT when it's considered medically necessary. If you are interested in this procedure, you should talk with your doctor to determine if it is a viable option for you. In some cases, your doctor may be able to provide the FMT service and bill Medicare for it or refer you to a specialist who does. You should also contact your local Medicare office to see if they have any coverage policies that include FMT.

How much will it cost you to get an FMT done?

The cost of an FMT varies depending on the clinic or doctor performing the procedure and how extensive it is. Generally, you should expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 for a full course of treatment. It's important to note that Medicare does not usually cover these costs. Talk with your Medicare plan provider to see what it might cost for your specific situation.

Risks associated with getting FMT done

While an FMT is generally considered safe, there are still some potential risks associated with the procedure. These include allergic reactions to donor stool, infection, and even rare cases of intestinal blockages. It's important to talk to your doctor about these risks before undergoing FMT so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is the right choice for you.

How long will the results of the procedure last?

The effects of an FMT typically last for several months but can sometimes be longer, depending on the individual. Continue to follow up with your doctor after undergoing the procedure to monitor your progress and make sure that any conditions you may have are being appropriately managed.

Will I need to take any special precautions after getting the treatment done?

The best way to ensure that you get the most benefit from your FMT is to follow your doctor's instructions for post-treatment care. This may include taking probiotics and/or other medications to help maintain the balance of bacteria in your digestive system and get regular checkups with your physician. Additionally, it's important to continue to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding raw foods that may contain bacteria or parasites. With careful management and proactive care, it's possible to enjoy the long-term benefits of FMT.

Conclusion

Overall, an FMT can be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions and may help improve your overall health and quality of life. Talk to your doctor about whether or not it is a viable option for you, and make sure to inquire about any coverage policies that might apply to you through Medicare. This content is for informational purposes only. Fair Square Medicare is here for you through each step of your Medicare journey. Give us a call today.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

Medigap stock image

When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

Nov 18, 2022

elderly woman with glasses having difficulty reading her phone stock image

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Dec 2, 2022

a doctor tells her patient she doesn't accept medicare. the patient wonders what to do stock image

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

Feb 24, 2023

Cover image

Denied Coverage? What to Do When Your Carrier Says No

Jul 15, 2025

Charlotte skyline stock image

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

Mar 9, 2023

Medicare at 62 stock image

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Jun 16, 2022

Enroll in Social Security step-by-step with the help of Fair Square stock image

How to Enroll in Social Security

Apr 28, 2023

Close up top view of a woman showing a round-shaped Lipoma fatty tumor on an open palm stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Dec 8, 2022

Senior woman fretting in front of her laptop stock photo

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

Oct 11, 2022

Cover image

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

Feb 1, 2024

Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Dec 2, 2022

Myelofibrosis stock image

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Dec 12, 2022

Unrecognizable person undergoing surgery in the clinic stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Nov 28, 2022

surgeons working over a patient stock image

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Nov 30, 2022

Kansas farm stock photo

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Mar 22, 2023

Older woman during an eye exam

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Jan 11, 2023

Visiting a hospital front desk illustrated stock image

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Apr 11, 2023

senior couple working in a greenhouse stock image

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Mar 23, 2023

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

Gap Health Insurance: The Secret Sidekick to Your High-Deductible Plan

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

Plan G vs. Plan N

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What is Plan J?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M