Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

HIFU treatment stock image
By Daniel Petkevich
Nov 21, 2022

The answer depends on what is being treated

If you’re a senior citizen on Medicare, you may be wondering how HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) is covered. HIFU is a relatively new, non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound waves to target and destroy cancer cells.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.
Unfortunately, Medicare does not offer comprehensive coverage for all the treatments that HIFU can help remedy. Let's walk through two of the most prominent examples as an illustration of the different ways Medicare might cover HIFU.

What is HIFU?

When most people picture an ultrasound, they typically think of imaging of someone's organs or sometimes of a pregnancy. But now, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasounds, or HIFU, can treat various conditions with precision and without causing much disruption in the body. HIFU is a non-invasive procedure that targets problematic areas, including brain tissue or tumors. HIFU is FDA approved, and clinical trials have shown great promise for its effectiveness in treating various types of cancer.
Rather than a typical ultrasound which uses sound waves to reproduce an image, these sound waves are more directed to interact with targeted areas to treat them. The sound waves are delivered using a ultrasound probe on or above your skin near the targeted tissue. The following image from the Cleveland Clinic shows how the procedure looks for treating prostate cancer.
Visual asset.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) | Source:

Cleveland Clinic

‎The sound waves heat the targeted tissue, similar to a magnifying glass focusing a beam of light, and the increase in temperature destroys the problematic part. HIFU is an exciting advancement of technology, especially when you consider that many of the alternative treatments for similar afflictions often involve more invasive or damaging procedures.

Does Medicare Cover HIFU?

The answer to this question depends on what you are treating. At the time of publishing, Medicare generally only covers HIFU when treating tremors associated with Parkinson's disease. HIFU for cancerous and benign tumors currently is not covered through Medicare.

Parkinson's Disease

Essential tremor, also known as kinetic tremor, are one of the most common side effects of Parkinson's disease. The shaking of the extremities, including head, hands, and voice, associated with tremors makes many daily activities more difficult for an estimated 10 million Americans. While little is known about the cause, tremors can be alleviated by targeting a small region deep in the brain.
In order to be eligible for this treatment, you must meet the following conditions:
  • You have been diagnosed with an essential tremor
  • You have tried at least two other medications to treat your tremor
  • The tremor affects your quality of life
  • You would be comfortable lying still in an MRI scanner for two to three hours
  • You are over the age of 22
Assuming you meet the conditions listed above, let's look into how Medicare can cover your procedure.
HIFU is an outpatient procedure, so your costs will be covered by Part B. Medicare covers 80% of the outpatient costs after you pay the deductible of $226, so you'll pay 20% (or less) of the remaining costs. Those with

Medicare Supplement Plans

(Medigap Plans) might pay less than 20% or nothing at all.
In the rare case that you are admitted to the hospital, you are responsbile for the Part A deductible of $1,600. Because it is a minimally invasive procedure, in all likelihood, you won't have to worry about inpatient costs.
Side effects from this procedure are rare, but include the following:
  • Temporary or permanent muscle weakness
  • Loss of balance
  • Sensory loss
  • Numbness or tingling in the fingers or elsewhere in the body

Prostate Cancer

HIFU is generally seen as a treatment option for those with prostate cancer. According to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), coverage for HIFU in prostate cancer was

retired

starting on October 20th, 2022. If you want HIFU treatment for prostate cancer, you will have to pay the total cost of the procedure out-of-pocket.
There was a period of time when Medicare was offering more coverage of HIFU in prostate cancer, but over the last couple of years, Medicare has scaled back their coverage and the reimbursement for facilities that can perform this procedure.
According to

Western States HIFU

, starting in 2019 the reimbursement rate was so low that it would not cover the costs of the supplies needed to perform the procedure. They now offer a comprehensive package for those still interested in pursuing this treatment without Medicare coverage for

$25,000

. The cost may vary depending on your medical provider.
Some of the side effects of receiving HIFU treatment for prostate cancer include:
  • Urinary problems
  • Erectile dysfunction
So, what are some alternatives to HIFU for those diagnosed with prostate cancer?
  • Radiation
  • Removing the prostate surgically
  • Cryotherapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Chemotherapy
Here are some additional treatment options from the

American Cancer Society

. You should confirm with your plan provider which treatments are covered under your Medicare plan.

Takeaway

If you are looking to receive treatment via HIFU, the reason you are seeking treatment is critical for determining affordability. The advancement of ultrasound technology has made it so treatment for these severe afflictions can come with significantly less bodily intrusion than traditional treatment methods. However, Medicare coverage only extends to those seeking treatment for tremors from Parkinson's disease.
Since Medicare once covered HIFU for prostate cancer, there might be an update concerning coverage in the future. We will update our blog accordingly, so stay in touch with Fair Square Medicare to stay abreast of any potential updates.
Before seeking treatment, remember to talk with your doctor. This content is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions about your Medicare coverage, call an expert today at 1-888-376-2028.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

A person with a shopping cart already containing medicaid and medicare sees Medigap options on a table. In a thought bubble, they ask "Should I get Medigap too?"
Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?
Jan 7, 2023
Model of the lungs with the diseased part. Cancer or Ground glass opacity GGO. stock photo
Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?
Nov 23, 2022
Medicare at 62 stock image
Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?
Jun 16, 2022
Cover image
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare
Jan 24, 2024
20 Q's with Fair Square
20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent
Mar 17, 2023
hand holding up Invisalign stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?
Nov 18, 2022
Caucasian nurse holding spine model against the patients backs. Clinic interior. stock photo
Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?
Nov 28, 2022
Cover image
Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025
Jan 18, 2024
stack of books stock image
Do You Need Books on Medicare?
Apr 6, 2023
Leg bones and knees, 3d rendering. stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Boniva?
Nov 29, 2022
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
Does Medicare Cover an FMT?
Dec 2, 2022
Pile of junk in a house, hoarder room pile of household equipment needs clearing out stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?
Jan 10, 2023
Visiting a hospital front desk illustrated stock image
Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?
Apr 11, 2023
Philadelphia skyline at sunset stock image
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia
Mar 7, 2023
SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) symptoms stock photo
Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?
Dec 1, 2022
Medigap and Medicare Advantage arrows stock image
Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
Sep 14, 2022
Cover image
Seeing the Value in Fair Square
May 15, 2023
Hands of doctor or nurse in medical gloves injecting a shot to a man patient stock photo
Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?
Nov 29, 2022

More of our articles

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

2024 Fair Square NPS Report

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

How to Enroll in Social Security

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Consulting Services

Medicare Explained

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What Is a Medicare Advantage POS Plan?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

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