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A screening can become diagnostic and cost more
Some services are covered differently when billed as a preventive screening versus a diagnostic test. If a screening finds something—or you have symptoms—follow-up testing is often billed as diagnostic, which may involve deductibles, copays, or coinsurance.
Why it Matters
People expect “free preventive care,” then get surprised when follow-up testing has cost-sharing.
Action Steps
Ask: “Is this billed as screening or diagnostic?”
Ask for an estimate if the setting is hospital outpatient.
If Medicare Advantage: confirm if prior authorization applies.
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