Prostate Cancer Screening

What it is:

This cancer affects the prostate, which is the gland below a man’s bladder that produces fluid for semen.

A rectal exam and a blood test called a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test can find this cancer.  Medicare covers both of these.

Why it’s important:

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in American men. Screening can help doctors find and treat cancer early.

Who is covered:

Men age 50 or older are covered for this screening.

How often it’s covered:

Both the digital rectal exam and the PSA test are covered once every 12 months. Ask your doctor how to get this screening.

What you pay:

You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost for the digital rectal exam — after you meet your Part B deductible ($155 in 2010). You pay nothing for the PSA test.

Learn more about prostate cancer screening on Medicare.gov

BACK: Preventive Services


Information on this web site was compiled from approved materials of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.