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Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein created by the prostate gland. Increased levels of PSA are possible indications of prostate cancer or of an enlarged prostate. PSA levels higher than 4 ng/ml are generally considered cause for concern. The PSA test is a blood test that determines a man's PSA levels. Men are encouraged to have regular prostate exams and PSA tests after the age of 50, when changes of prostate cancer increase exponentially. According to the American Urological Association, 1 in 3 men between the ages of 60-69 will have prostate cancer.
Typical costs: |
- PSA tests are frequently done in doctor's offices and are often covered by medical insurance, especially for men older than age 50. According to Health Care Blue Book[1] , an online health cost estimator, a PSA typically costs $22 for patients without insurance, but might not include the price of an office visit which can cost an additional $25-$100. Saint Elizabeth Medical Center[2] , in Lincoln, NE, charges $105 for a PSA test.
- PSA tests are available for use at home, with blood samples mailed to a lab for analysis. Home PSA tests cost $20-$50, and usually include pre-paid mailers for sending samples to a lab and the cost of the lab work.
Related articles: Medicare, Health Insurance
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What should be included: |
- PSA tests involve a phlebotomist drawing blood on a patient. Typically, a patient will have an elastic band placed around their upper arm to stop blood flow. The needle insertion site is cleaned with alcohol as part of the preparation. A needle is placed in the vein and blood is collected. Lab technicians will examine the blood and return results to a patient, generally in three to five days. WebMD provides an overview of PSA tests[3] , including what to expect and what elevated PSA levels signify.
- Home PSA tests typically include a lancet, a bandage, a blood collection kit and instructions. Most home PSA tests come with a pre-paid mailer to send the sample to a lab for testing.
Additional costs: |
- The cost of an office visit to a physician might be added to the cost of a PSA test. Expect an office visit to cost $25-$100.
Discounts: |
- Medical insurance may cover the cost of a PSA test. Contact the insurance provider for specific coverage details.
- Medicare typically covers the cost of an annual PSA test for men older than 50. Specific coverage can vary by state[4] .
Shopping for a psa test: |
- The American Cancer Society provides information on early detection of prostate cancer through PSA testing.
- The American Urological Association urges all men older than age 40 to have a PSA test to check for prostate cancer.
- Not all over-the-counter PSA test kits are Food and Drug Administration-approved. The FDA maintains a database[5] of all of its approved products. The FDA warns[6] that while home-use tests are convenient, they should not replace regular visits with a physician.
- The Prostate Cancer Foundation provides information about the benefits of early detection and screening[7] of prostate cancer and understanding PSA tests[8] .
- The Mayo Clinic[9] provides information to help patients decide whether to have a PSA test.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Jeffrey Frank in Rockville, MD. | Posted: February 6th, 2017 04:02AM |
On a Laboratory bill for a routine check up I was billed $ 1900.00 for a PSA Assay (RFX) Prostate Lab Test. Bill lists description as Oncology HG Prostate Cancer. Looks like there is an adjustment or insurance payment of 1140.00. Total Patient responsibility is $760.00. This seems extremely beyond the normal cost for this lab test. |
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| Posted by: DDL in Abbeville, LA. | Posted: August 29th, 2016 06:08AM |
This is what I was charged by ABBEVILLE GENERAL HOSPITAL. |
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| Posted by: J.Smith in London, Other. | Posted: October 6th, 2013 11:10AM |
Have swollen leg. Suspect DVT in groin. Given Heparin. No effect. Now on rivaroxaban. Eventual by chance blood test gave PSA of 1025 (no decimal point missing).Bone scan negative.No other symptoms. After about 10 days leg swelling reducing. PSA down to 298. Med science seems ignorant of altered blood flow on PSA
I seem to be off the usual prostate map. Awaiting further results. Vetoed dangerous biopsy. CT scan due soon. |
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| Posted by: thomas wayne lambert in nilwood, IL. | Posted: April 26th, 2012 02:04PM |
i was diagnosed with prostate01/25/07 took radiation treatments&seed implants have been takingtwoyears of hormone treatments 4xannually along with psachecks w/each dr. visit it's usually been running 2.5 but elevated to 4.2 but this month jumped to 15.7 i'm wondering if the lab made an error in grading it. i never heard of it going higher than 9 or 10 before. i want to get another psa check this month but afraid my insurance c. won't pay since i've already had one this month |
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External Resources: |
- healthcarebluebook.com/page_Results.aspx?id=697&dataset=lab&g=Prostate-Specific%20...
- tp.chi.acelogicus.net/nese/Default.aspx
- www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/guide/psa
- www.medicare.gov/coverage/your-medicare-coverage.html
- www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfIVD/Search.cfm
- www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/HomeUse...
- www.pcf.org/site/c.leJRIROrEpH/b.5802037/k.6B8C/Early_Detection__Screening.htm
- www.pcf.org/site/c.leJRIROrEpH/b.5802071/k.C620/PSA__DRE_Screening.htm
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/prostate-cancer/HQ01273
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