Medicare_Benefit_Policy_Manual / Chapter_15 / 280.2.2

Why This Topic Matters

Accurate understanding of this policy helps reduce claim denials, supports compliant preventive screening billing, and clarifies how Medicare distinguishes among covered screening services within this chapter.

Article Sections

1. Coverage Criteria

   Introduces the scope of the screening coverage criteria addressed in this chapter section and organizes the discussion by service type.

2. Screening Fecal-Occult Blood Tests (FOBT)

   Covers the general Medicare policy framework for FOBT screening, including eligibility, timing, and ordering requirements.

3. Screening Flexible Sigmoidoscopies

   Describes Medicare’s coverage framework for screening flexible sigmoidoscopy services, including who may perform them and related frequency considerations.

4. Screening Colonoscopies for Beneficiaries at High Risk of Developing Colorectal Cancer

   Summarizes the policy structure for high-risk screening colonoscopy coverage and references related risk criteria elsewhere in the manual.

5. Screening Colonoscopies Performed on Individuals Not Meeting the Criteria for Being at High-Risk for Developing Colorectal Cancer

   Addresses coverage structure for screening colonoscopy when the individual is not considered high risk, including timing references and related cross-references.

6. Screening Barium Enema Examinations

   Explains the Medicare coverage framework for barium enema screening as an alternative test and notes the related ordering and frequency structure.