(a) Definitions. As used in this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) Colorectal cancer screening tests means any of the following procedures furnished to an individual for the purpose of early detection of colorectal cancer:

(i) Screening fecal-occult blood tests.

(ii) Screening flexible sigmoidoscopies.

(iii) Screening colonoscopies, including anesthesia furnished in conjunction with the service.

(iv) Screening barium enemas.

(v) Other tests or procedures established by a national coverage determination, and modifications to tests under this paragraph, with such frequency and payment limits as CMS determines appropriate, in consultation with appropriate organizations

(2) Screening fecal-occult blood test means—

(i) A guaiac-based test for peroxidase activity, testing two samples from each of three consecutive stools, or,

(ii) Other tests as determined by the Secretary through a national coverage determination.

(3) An individual at high risk for colorectal cancer means an individual with—

(i) A close relative (sibling, parent, or child) who has had colorectal cancer or an adenomatous polyp;

(ii) A family history of familial adenomatous polyposis;

(iii) A family history of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer;

(iv) A personal history of adenomatous polyps; or

(v) A personal history of colorectal cancer; or

(vi) Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's Disease, and ulcerative colitis.

(4) Screening barium enema means—

(i) A screening double contrast barium enema of the entire colorectum (including a physician's interpretation of the results of the procedure); or

(ii) In the case of an individual whose attending physician decides that he or she cannot tolerate a screening double contrast barium enema, a screening single contrast barium enema of the entire colorectum (including a physician's interpretation of the results of the procedure).

(5) An attending physician for purposes of this provision is a doctor of medicine or osteopathy (as defined in section 1861(r)(1) of the Act) who is fully knowledgeable about the beneficiary's medical condition, and who would be responsible using the results of any examination performed in the overall management of the beneficiary's specific medical problem.

(b) Condition for coverage of screening fecal-occult blood tests. Medicare Part B pays for a screening fecal-occult blood test if it is ordered in writing by the beneficiary's attending physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist.

(c) Limitations on coverage of screening fecal-occult blood tests.

(1) Payment may not be made for a screening fecal-occult blood test performed for an individual under age 50.

(2) For an individual 50 years of age or over, payment may be made for a screening fecal-occult blood test performed after at least 11 months have passed following the month in which the last screening fecal-occult blood test was performed.

(d) Condition for coverage of flexible sigmoidoscopy screening. Medicare Part B pays for a flexible sigmoidoscopy screening service if it is performed by a doctor of medicine or osteopathy (as defined in section 1861(r)(1) of the Act), or by a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist (as defined in section 1861(aa)(5) of the Act and §§410.74, 410.75, and 410.76) who is authorized under State law to perform the examination.

(e) Limitations on coverage of screening flexible sigmoidoscopies.

(1) Payment may not be made for a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy performed for an individual under age 50.

(2) For an individual 50 years of age or over, except as described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section, payment may be made for screening flexible sigmoidoscopy after at least 47 months have passed following the month in which the last screening flexible sigmoidoscopy or, as provided in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this section, the last screening barium enema was performed.

(3) In the case of an individual who is not at high risk for colorectal cancer as described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section but who has had a screening colonoscopy performed, payment may be made for a screening flexible sigmoidosocopy only after at least 119 months have passed following the month in which the last screening colonoscopy was performed.

(f) Condition for coverage of screening colonoscopies. Medicare Part B pays for a screening colonoscopy if it is performed by a doctor of medicine or osteopathy (as defined in section 1861(r)(1) of the Act).

(g) Limitations on coverage of screening colonoscopies.

(1) Effective for services furnished on or after July 1, 2001, except as described in paragraph (g)(3) of this section, payment may be made for a screening colonoscopy performed for an individual who is not at high risk for colorectal cancer as described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, after at least 119 months have passed following the month in which the last screening colonoscopy was performed.

(2) Payment may be made for a screening colonoscopy performed for an individual who is at high risk for colorectal cancer as described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, after at least 23 months have passed following the month in which the last screening colonoscopy was performed, or, as provided in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this section, the last screening barium enema was performed.

(3) In the case of an individual who is not at high risk for colorectal cancer as described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section but who has had a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy performed, payment may be made for a screening colonoscopy only after at least 47 months have passed following the month in which the last screening flexible sigmoidoscopy was performed.

(h) Conditions for coverage of screening barium enemas. Medicare Part B pays for a screening barium enema if it is ordered in writing by the beneficiary's attending physician.

(i) Limitations on coverage of screening barium enemas.

(1) In the case of an individual age 50 or over who is not at high risk of colorectal cancer, payment may be made for a screening barium enema examination performed after at least 47 months have passed following the month in which the last screening barium enema or screening flexible sigmoidoscopy was performed.

(2) In the case of an individual who is at high risk for colorectal cancer, payment may be made for a screening barium enema examination performed after at least 23 months have passed following the month in which the last screening barium enema or the last screening colonoscopy was performed.

[62 FR 59100, Oct. 31, 1997, as amended at 66 FR 55329, Nov. 1, 2001; 67 FR 80040, Dec. 31, 2002; 77 FR 69362, Nov. 16, 2012; 78 FR 74811, Dec. 10, 2013; 79 FR 68002, Nov. 13, 2014]