As of January 1, 2011, co-insurance for the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening benefit in Medicare (G0389) was waived for beneficiaries who qualify for this one-time screening as part of the Welcome to Medicare Physical Exam, which is available during the first twelve months of Medicare eligibility. These beneficiaries include men who have ever-smoked and men and women with a family history of AAA.
SVS is continuing to pursue legislative and/or regulatory solutions that would remove other barriers, such as the requirement of a referral in order to receive a AAA screening.
Posted February 2011