Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

Modern endoscope in hands of experienced medical worker stock photo

By Daniel Petkevich

Dec 27, 2022

Medicare offers coverage for screening colonoscopies once every 2 years

Medicare might not pay for many preventative procedures, but a colonoscopy is an exception. This screening for colon issues is critical to maintaining an awareness of your body. Medicare offers coverage for colonoscopies, but the frequency and cost may change depending on your situation.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

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

Overview of Medicare Coverage for Colonoscopies

Medicare offers coverage for screening colonoscopies once every 24 months if you’re at high risk for colorectal cancer. If you aren’t at high risk, Medicare will cover the test once every 120 months or 48 months after a prior flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Who is Eligible for a Screening Colonoscopy Under Medicare?

Everyone is eligible for a colonoscopy screening. There are no age requirements. The key is making sure your healthcare provider accepts assignment.

What are the Costs Associated with a Colonoscopy Covered by Medicare?

If your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider accepts assignment, you won’t have to pay anything for the test. However, if your doctor finds and removes a polyp or other tissue during the colonoscopy, you will be required to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your doctor's services. In a hospital outpatient setting, you will also be responsible for 20% coinsurance.

How to Find Out if Your Doctor Accepts Assignment from Medicare

If you are unsure if your doctor accepts assignment from Medicare, you can contact your doctor’s office to find out. They should be able to provide that information for you.

Tips on Preparing for Your Colonoscopy Appointment

It’s important to prepare properly for your colonoscopy appointment. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

  • Schedule the procedure for a time when it won’t interfere with other activities

  • Read up on the preparation instructions from your doctor or healthcare provider

  • Discuss any medications you take, including vitamins or supplements, with your doctor

  • Follow the dietary instructions provided by your doctor or healthcare provider

  • Ask any questions you have to your healthcare provider prior to the procedure

By understanding the Medicare coverage for colonoscopies and how to prepare for it, you can make sure that you’re adequately prepared. If you still have questions or concerns about Medicare coverage for colonoscopies, you can contact your doctor or healthcare provider. They will be able to provide more information and help guide you through the process.

Conclusion

Medicare offers coverage for screening colonoscopies for those at high risk of colorectal cancer. If you are eligible, Medicare covers the cost of the test itself, with some exceptions depending on what is found during the procedure. Be sure to work closely with your doctor and hospital to understand all the costs associated with the procedure and to make sure that you are fully prepared for your colonoscopy appointment.

For more information about Medicare coverage for colonoscopies, contact your doctor or healthcare provider. They should be able to provide you with detailed information about what is covered and answer any other questions you may have. And for all your Medicare-related questions, call an expert at Fair Square Medicare today.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

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

Recommended Articles

Senior woman fretting in front of her laptop stock photo

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

Oct 11, 2022

Cover image

Does Medicare Cover Physicals & Blood Work?

Feb 1, 2024

senior man on a phone call stock image

Last Day to Change Your Medicare Part D Plan

Jul 14, 2025

a chart explaining different enrollment periods on medicare

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

Apr 8, 2022

Cover image

Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?

May 2, 2023

SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) symptoms stock photo

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Dec 1, 2022

Senior woman having vision problems stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Nov 30, 2022

Cover image

2025 Medicare Price Changes

Oct 30, 2023

Female physiotherapist helping elderly man in wheelchair do exercises with dumbbells at health center stock photo

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

Jan 20, 2023

Leg bones and knees, 3d rendering. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Dec 5, 2022

senior gentleman wearing a suit working on his laptop outside of his office stock photo

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Sep 27, 2022

Doctor showing patient bone anatomy of skeleton of nose and nasal cavity on skull. Preparing for rhinoplasty surgery, correcting deviated nasal septum, localization of rhinitis, sinusitis in nose stock photo

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Nov 18, 2022

Black debit card changing hands against a yellow background stock image

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

Dec 15, 2022

Human hands holding healthy lung shape made from paper on light blue background. stock photo

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

Jan 24, 2023

Physiotherapist showing workout record on exercise bike

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Jan 11, 2023

Cover image

Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?

Jul 27, 2023

Asian senior male patient having him eyes examined by laser machine

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

Jan 6, 2023

Happy senior man and dentist assistant talking during appointment at dental clinic. stock photo

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

Jan 4, 2023

More of our articles

10 Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies for 2025

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Can I Change My Primary Care Provider with an Advantage Plan?

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Ofev?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Is PAE Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare 101

Medicare Consulting Services

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Turning 65 and Thinking of Keeping COBRA? Here’s Why It Usually Backfires

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

What to Do When Your Doctor Leaves Your Network

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

Why Is Medicare So Confusing?

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

Fair Square Medicare

FSM symbol - 50