Which doctor?
The examination of the prostate is usually performed by the family doctor in charge or by a urologist. The rectal examination can be uncomfortable or embarrassing, but it is usually not painful. However, if there are tears in the anal mucosa or if the prostate is inflamed (prostatitis), the rectal examination can be somewhat irritating or painful. For the family doctor, it is a routine examination, but it is performed with special care.
Costs
The regular cancer check-up for men, which includes palpation of the lymph nodes in the groin and genitals, checking the skin condition and rectal examination of the prostate and rectum, costs about 30 euros. These costs are covered by health insurance once a year from the age of 45. The cost of the PSA determination is between 15 and 45 euros.
They are not covered by the health insurance in the context of a preventive examination. However, if a prostate carcinoma is suspected, the test can be used to monitor the progress of prostate cancer treatment or benign prostate hyperplasia, or for follow-up care after treatment, the costs are reimbursed by the health insurance company.The costs of the transrectal ultrasound examination amount to approximately 40 Euro. The health insurance companies usually only cover the costs if there is a suspicion of carcinoma.
