Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar)
What it measures
This test measures the sugar in your blood at one moment. A fasting test is taken after 8 hours or more without food. A random test can be taken any time.
When it’s ordered
Checking for diabetes, watching known diabetes, symptoms like extreme thirst or frequent urination, and hospital visits.
Medicare coverage
Governed by NCD 190.20 (Blood Glucose Testing). This national rule lists the diagnoses that support the test. A claim billed with a diagnosis that is not on the list can be denied. Screening for diabetes has its own separate Medicare benefit.
Typical price
Medicare pays a set rate of $3.93 for this test (2026 fee schedule). When Medicare covers this test, you pay nothing. A lab can bill far more if you pay on your own or if Medicare denies the claim, so ask for the price first.
One thing to watch
Ask which reason the office will put on the order before the blood draw. "Routine exam" alone may not support the test.
Look up the current Medicare allowable for Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar) →
Rates and coverage rules shown apply to Original Medicare (Fee-for-Service) only. Medicare Advantage plans may differ. See our data sources →