Does Medicare Cover PET Scans?
Medicare typically does cover PET scans that are ordered by a doctor. Medicare Part B typically covers diagnostic non-laboratory tests or screenings, like PET scans, to learn how your organs and tissues are functioning.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must cover everything covered by Original Medicare, meaning they may also cover PET scans that are deemed medically necessary by your doctor. These plans also include an annual out-of-pocket spending limit that can potentially save you money in out-of-pocket Medicare costs for your PET scans.
Original Medicare does not include an out-of-pocket spending limit.
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When does Medicare pay for PET scans?
PET scans (positron emission tomography scans) may be ordered by your doctor in order to check for or diagnose a suspected disease or condition.
Some of the conditions a PET scan may be used to diagnose include:
- Many types of cancer
- Brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease or tumors
- Cardiac problems and heart disease
A PET scan may be able to reveal information that aren’t typically seen by a CT scan or an MRI.
Medicare Part B (medical insurance) typically covers your PET scan when ordered by your doctor.
What is the cost of a PET scan with Medicare?
If ordered by a doctor, Medicare Part B will typically cover 80% of the cost of a PET scan, up to three times per year. You'll be responsible for the remaining 20% after you meet your annual deductible for Medicare Part B, which is $240 per year in 2024.
Speak with your doctor directly for specific cost and coverage information.
Medicare Advantage plans may also cover PET scans
Every Medicare Advantage plan must cover everything that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers.
If your PET Scan is covered by Original Medicare, it will also be covered by a Medicare Advantage plan.
You can call to speak with a licensed insurance agent, who can help you compare Medicare Advantage plans that are available in your area.
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About the author
Christian Worstell is a senior Medicare and health insurance writer with MedicareAdvantage.com. He is also a licensed health insurance agent. Christian is well-known in the insurance industry for the thousands of educational articles he’s written, helping Americans better understand their health insurance and Medicare coverage.
Christian’s work as a Medicare expert has appeared in several top-tier and trade news outlets including Forbes, MarketWatch, WebMD and Yahoo! Finance.
Christian has written hundreds of articles for MedicareAvantage.com that teach Medicare beneficiaries the best practices for navigating Medicare. His articles are read by thousands of older Americans each month. By better understanding their health care coverage, readers may hopefully learn how to limit their out-of-pocket Medicare spending and access quality medical care.
Christian’s passion for his role stems from his desire to make a difference in the senior community. He strongly believes that the more beneficiaries know about their Medicare coverage, the better their overall health and wellness is as a result.
A current resident of Raleigh, Christian is a graduate of Shippensburg University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
If you’re a member of the media looking to connect with Christian, please don’t hesitate to email our public relations team at Mike@tzhealthmedia.com.
