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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
What it is:
An aneurysm (AN-u-rism) is an abnormal bulge or “ballooning” in the wall of an artery. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body. The aorta is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It travels through the chest and abdomen. An aneurysm that occurs in the aorta in the abdomen is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Doctors use ultrasounds to find these aneurysms.
Why screening is important:
An aneurysm that grows and becomes large enough can burst, causing dangerous, often fatal, bleeding inside the body. About 15,000 Americans die each year from ruptured aortic aneurysms. Ruptured aortic aneurysm is the 10th leading cause of death in men over age 50 in the United States.
If found early, many aneurysms can be treated before they rupture. Because aneurysms can develop and become large before causing any symptoms, it is important to look for them in people who are at the highest risk. Experts recommend that men who are 65 to 75 years old and have ever smoked (at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime) should be checked for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Who is covered:
People at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm are covered for this screening. Your doctor will determine if you are at risk at your “Welcome to Medicare” physical.
How often it’s covered:
The screening is covered one time, if you receive a referral for this screening at your “Welcome to Medicare” physical.
What you pay:
You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost for this service – with no Part B deductible.
Learn more about abdominal aortic aneurysm screening on Medicare.gov.
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