Here at Matthews Internal Medicine, we know that the keys to fighting many diseases are preventative actions and early detection. In the case of cancer, this is especially true. We can do our best to avoid many types of cancer with lifestyle changes and good habits, but if you develop cancer anyway you’ll want to catch it early.
That’s why cancer screenings are so important. There are many types of cancer and different kinds of screenings out there, so you may be confused about what your insurance covers. Is a cancer screening covered by your provider? Let’s take a closer look at some common cancer screening methods and how rules about coverage work.
Lung Cancer
This is one of the top causes of death in the United States, so it’s important to be screened for it. Many health plans, including Medicare and Medicaid plans, will cover a yearly screening. This is especially true for patients who meet certain criteria, like being a longtime smoker or being upwards of fifty-five years old.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is commonly screened for by using a test known as a mammogram. The good news is that these exams are often covered as preventative care by your insurance plan. You just need to check the fine print though. Certain plans will only cover a certain amount of screenings. Some plans may cover a mammogram every two years, while others would allow for an annual checkup. Other plans may also limit covered mammograms to women past a certain age, like forty years old. Plans can also cover other screening methods, like genetic testing, for women who are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Cervical Cancer
Tests for HPV and Pap tests can both be used to see if a patient has cervical cancer. Many health plans will cover these kinds of screenings every three to five years. Medicare will also cover Pap tests and pelvic exams, while Medicaid coverage can cover Pap tests in certain states but not others.
Colon Cancer
Catching colon cancer early is incredibly important and dramatically boosts survival rate. Private health plans have to offer some method of colon cancer screening, like a colonoscopy, after the age of fifty. Some patients do prefer to get tested earlier, especially if they’re deemed high-risk, but a plan may not cover colorectal cancer screening that early. If you go for a colonoscopy or another test at forty-five, know that it might not be entirely covered by your plan. Most Medicare plans also cover these cancer screenings, but a copay might be needed. There can also be yearly limits, like coverage for one test every ten years for patients that are seen as low risk. Again, Medicaid coverage can vary from state to state.
Your Matthews, NC Internal Medicine Experts
Visit our preventative medicine experts today and see how we can help you live a healthier life. Whether you’re in need of cancer screening or any other kind of test, the professionals here at Matthews Internal Medicine are ready to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to assisting you!