"Welcome to Medicare" Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening
Overview
Free screening for eligible patients new to Medicare!
What is the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening?
For eligible (see eligibility details below) individuals new to Medicare, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers a one-time AAA screening. A person must first receive a referral for it at the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit. The preventive visit and the screening ultrasound referral (not the ultrasound exam itself) must be completed/received within the first 12 months of joining Medicare Part B.
An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a condition in which the lining of the blood vessel (the aorta) is enlarged within the abdomen. Because abdominal aortic aneurysms are likely to tear if they reach 5 centimeters in diameter, early screening/monitoring is important for preventing a rupture. A ruptured AAA can cause blood loss, shock, and death.
During a AAA screening, a person lies on their back and an experienced vascular technician will use a handheld ultrasound on their stomach, to locate and size the abdominal aorta. The tech will take images and measure the aorta for potential aneurysm risk.
Who is Eligible?
Individuals eligible for a free screening must be at risk for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Risk Factors/Eligibility include:
- A family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm
- You must be a man age 65 to 75 who has smoked at least 100 cigarettes in his lifetime
- You have never had an AAA ultrasound screening paid for by Medicare
Cost
The screening is free to individuals who are eligible and access a qualified health care provider, such as Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute, that collaborates with Medicare.
Next Steps
If you meet the risk factors/eligibility above for a free abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, be sure to obtain your physician referral at your “Welcome to Medicare” preventative visit, and schedule an appointment with Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute.
Schedule An Appointment
To schedule an appointment, please call 949-764-6350.
Day of Appointment Details
NO food or beverage seven (7) hours before your scheduled exam. It is therefore best to have the examination performed after an overnight fast, and it is important to avoid tobacco and caffeine prior to the test. A complete examination may take as long as an hour. Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.