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Print this pageMedicare AAA Screening Benefit
Since 2007, a free, one-time, ultrasound Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening is available for at-risk Medicare beneficiaries during their Welcome to Medicare physical. At risk are men who have smoked sometime during their lives, and men and women with a family history of AAA.
Within the first six months of enrollment, new Medicare recipients can protect themselves from a serious, often fatal, disease by being screened for AAA before it ruptures.
What is AAA?
AAA is an enlargement that develops in weakened areas in the body’s largest artery. The enlargement occurs slowly, over several years, with no symptoms. Most people are unaware of their AAA until it becomes large enough to rupture. Rupture causes sudden, severe pain; and death occurs in most people before they can reach a hospital.
Screening Follow-up
If AAA is detected, patients should consult with a vascular surgeon. Treatment options include medical management with close follow-up for small AAAs; and minimally invasive endovascular procedures, or open surgery, for larger aneurysms.
Learn more about AAA.
Society for Vascular Surgery - 633 N. St. Clair, 24th Floor; Chicago, IL 60611; Phone: 312-334-2300 or 800-258-7188; Fax: 312-334-2320; Email: vascular@vascularsociety.org
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© 2009 VascularWeb. All rights reserved. Use of the VascularWeb site constitutes acceptance of all of the policies, rules and regulations for the site.