Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests

Medicare covers annual screening fecal occult blood testing (gFOBT or iFOBT) and covers Cologuard™ (multi-target sDNA) and approved blood-based biomarker colorectal cancer screening tests every 3 years for asymptomatic, average-risk beneficiaries. The minimum covered age for these screening tests was lowered to 45 years (effective January 1, 2023) and blood-based tests require CLIA-certified laboratory processing, physician ordering, and FDA authorization with minimum performance thresholds. Other screening modalities not specified (including most non-Cologuard sDNA tests and CT colonography) remain nationally non-covered.

"Medicare covers one screening fecal occult blood test (gFOBT or iFOBT) every 12 months for asymptomatic beneficiaries aged 45 years and older."

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