The type of screening for diabetes that Medicare covers is always done in a doctor’s office or other clinical setting.  The patient is asked to fast before having the blood test.  The doctor or other health care provider will order a fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).  Medicare will cover the cost of the blood test.

In many communities, there are health fairs and other local community events at which “diabetes screenings” may be offered.  Usually these screenings are done by answering questions about risk factors for diabetes, or by pricking a finger and measuring blood sugar levels via a hand-held blood glucose monitor.  These types of screenings are NOT covered by Medicare.