Laboratory services are those services where body fluids are collected and analyzed for treatment of diseases and disorders. Radiology services are those services where imaging is used to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders.
What laboratory procedures are covered?
Laboratory tests needed to diagnose or treat a medical condition are covered Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) benefits. Routine laboratory tests such as pap smears and cholesterol tests are also covered benefits.
Examples of covered radiology tests include but are not limited to:
- Angiograms
- Electrocardiograms (ECG)
- Mammograms
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET scans)
- Radiation treatment for tumors
- Ultrasounds
- X-rays
What laboratory and radiology procedures are not covered?
Laboratory and radiology procedures for cosmetic treatment or infertility treatment are not covered Health First Colorado benefits. Laboratory and radiology procedures considered experimental or not approved by the Food and Drug Administration are not covered Health First Colorado benefits.
What do laboratory and radiology procedures cost?
Effective July 1, 2023 members do not have a co-payment for laboratory and radiology services.
How to access services
- Schedule an appointment with your doctor for routine and urgent health care needs. Examples of routine and urgent health care needs are:
- A cold
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Flu
- Aches and pains
- Pink eye
- Ear infection
- Minor injuries
- Low grade fever
Your doctor will determine if any laboratory or radiology tests are needed to diagnose or treat your condition.
- Go to the emergency room only for a serious medical crisis. Examples of a serious medical crisis are:
- Severe bleeding
- Infants with high fever
- Chest pain
- Broken bones
- Severe shortness of breath
- Seizures
Your doctor will determine if any laboratory or radiology tests are needed to diagnose or treat your condition.
- Remember to schedule a yearly appointment with your doctor for routine laboratory and radiology procedures such as cholesterol tests, mammograms, and Pap smears.