Medicare Covers Many Preventive Procedures

Jan. 8 (iVillage Total Health) -- Now that Medicare has launched its Part D prescription drug plan, it's a good time to review the many preventive health screenings offered by Medicare.

"Studies have shown that every $1.00 spent on prevention can save more than $13.00 in health care costs. Preventing chronic medical problems will save billions of dollars, while helping people to longer, healthier lives," Robert Fusco, president of the New Jersey Association of Long Term Care Pharmacy Providers, stated in a news release.

Medicare welcomes enrollees with an introductory physical examination, health review, counseling about recommended tests and, if needed, referrals. It offers regular screening tests and preventive vaccinations for many conditions:

Diabetes: Glucose testing is available to those with risk factors including obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia (unhealthy levels of cholesterol and other blood fats) or a history of high glucose. Testing is also covered for Medicare members with at least two of the following traits: age 65 or older, overweight, family history of diabetes, or a history of gestational diabetes or delivery of an infant weighing more than 9 pounds.
Cholesterol: Testing of cholesterol and other blood fats is covered every five years.
Flu: Influenza shots are covered every autumn or winter.
Pneumonia: The pneumococcal vaccine is offered to all members of Medicare.
Colorectal cancer: Colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood test or barium enema are offered to those age 50 and older or at high risk for colorectal cancer.
Prostate cancer: Men over age 50 are provided an annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam.
Breast cancer: Women 40 and older can receive an annual mammogram.
Cervical cancer and other gynecological conditions: A Pap smear and pelvic exam are offered every year to those at high risk and every two years to other women.
Osteoporosis: Testing of bone mass (for example, a DEXA scan) is offered every two years to those at increased risk, or more frequently if medically necessary. People at greater risk for osteoporosis include women during and after menopause.
Glaucoma: Typically, patients fail to notice this eye disease as it slowly destroys peripheral (side) vision. Screening is offered annually to Medicare members at high risk. Those at increased risk for glaucoma include black people over age 40, anyone over age 60 (especially people of Mexican heritage), and people with diabetes or high blood pressure.
Hepatitis: The series of vaccinations for hepatitis B is available to those at medium or high risk for this infectious viral disease.