What is the difference between preventative and diagnostic procedures?

Preventive procedures are routine screenings for potential issues. Diagnostic procedures are used to investigate symptoms. 

Several routine procedures are considered preventative. Many insurance companies cover preventive exams and procedures 100%, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost to you.

If there's a specific problem being addressed during a routine medical procedure, it is considered diagnostic. For a diagnostic procedures, your usual copay, deductible and coinsurance apply.  

Sometimes preventative procedures can become diagnostic. For example, if polyps are discovered during a routine preventative colonoscopy, the physician will likely remove them.  At that point, the colonoscopy becomes a diagnostic procedure instead of a preventive procedure.

Review your insurance plan for coverage details. 

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