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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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 $25,000
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
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.
Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?
Dec 27, 2022
How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?
Nov 21, 2022
Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
Sep 14, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?
Dec 2, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?
Dec 8, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?
Nov 23, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?
Jan 10, 2023
Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?
Dec 8, 2022
Explaining IRMAA on Medicare
Dec 21, 2022
Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?
Jul 12, 2023
Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65
Mar 24, 2023
Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?
Nov 23, 2022
Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?
Nov 18, 2022
Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?
Nov 29, 2022
Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?
Dec 1, 2022
Seeing the Value in Fair Square
May 15, 2023
What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage
Jan 18, 2023
Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?
Nov 29, 2022
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville
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 Seattle
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.
14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte
20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent
2024 Cost of Living Adjustment
2024 Fair Square NPS Report
Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?
Building the Future of Senior Healthcare
Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?
Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans
Can I Change My Primary Care Provider with an Advantage Plan?
Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?
Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?
Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?
Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?
Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?
Does Medicare Cover an FMT?
Does Medicare Cover Boniva?
Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?
Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?
Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?
Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?
Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?
Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?
Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?
Does Medicare Cover Ofev?
Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover PTNS?
Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?
Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?
Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?
Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?
Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?
Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?
Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?
Estimating Prescription Drug Costs
Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare
Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare
Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors
Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors
How Are Medicare Star Ratings Determined?
How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?
How is Medicare Changing in 2025?
How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up
How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?
How Much Does Medicare Cost?
How to Apply for Medicare?
How to Become a Medicare Agent
How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together
Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?
Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?
Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?
Medicare 101
Medicare Consulting Services
Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
Plan G vs. Plan N
The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make
Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter
What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?
What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?
What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?
What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare
What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?
When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement
Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?
Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan
Get the Fair Square Bulletin
Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.
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