Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

Does Medicare Pay For Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring?

When many readings of your blood pressure are needed over a period of 24 hours or longer, it is call Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM). Medicare only covers ABPM for patients whose doctors suspect have “white coat hypertension”. This symptom occurs with patients that exhibit high blood pressure only in the doctor’s office, possibly because of anxiety felt while visiting a health care facility.

A cuff is affixed to the patient’s wrist and is worn outside of the doctor’s office in a normal daily environment. The cuff is then examined by the doctor and the data is down loaded and analyzed by a specialist. Medicare does not cover the cost to purchase the cuff. The cuff belongs to the provider and should be returned after the testing phase is complete.

How Much Do You Pay?

You pay for 20% of the Medicare approved amount under Medicare Part B.

You must pay a $135 deductible for any Medicare Part B services and supplies before Medicare begins to pay its share. If a doctor, health care provider or supplier does not accept assignment; the amount you pay may be higher.

Coverage Topics