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Medicare AAA Screening
What is an AAA?
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is an enlargement or bulge that develops in a weakened area within the largest artery in the abdomen. The pressure generated by each heartbeat pushes against the weakened aortic wall, causing the aneurysm to enlarge. If the AAA remains undetected, the aortic wall continues to weaken, and the aneurysm continues to grow. Eventually, the aneurysm becomes so large and its wall so weak that rupture occurs. When this happens there is massive internal bleeding, a situation that is usually fatal. The only way to break this cycle is to find the AAA before it ruptures.
One time screening
Medicare is offering to pay for a one time AAA Screening for first time Medicare recipients that qualify for the benefit, effective January 1, 2007. The screening uses an ultrasound to detect bulging in the Aorta. Once an aneurysm is detected it can be treated by medical experts.
Who qualifies for the Medicare screening?
- Men who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes or used tobacco sometime during their life
- Men and women with a family history of AAA
Who orders the ultrasound?
If you are a first time Medicare patient, and wish to receive the free screening, the physician who performs the Initial Preventive Physical Exam or IPPE is the only person who can order the free ultrasound test. Otherwise, talk to your primary care physician about your risk for an Aortic Aneurysm and see if an AAA screen would be a proactive solution for you.
Act now
MultiCare Medical Imaging does the AAA screening not only for first time Medicare participants but for people who are proactive about their health. The screening is an ultrasound that is painless, safe and accurate and is available at all MultiCare Medical Imaging locations.