Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam

Medicare Part B primarily covers outpatient services, which include a variety of medically necessary services provided to patients who do not require hospitalization. This coverage specifically encompasses services such as doctor visits, preventive services (like screenings and vaccinations), outpatient therapy, and diagnostic tests.

While emergency room visits can be covered under Medicare Part B, they typically fall under different billing protocols and are often accounted for in the context of outpatient services. Prescription medications, on the other hand, are not covered under Part B; they are generally included in Medicare Part D, which is specifically designed for prescription drug coverage. Long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, are mainly covered under different guidelines and typically do not fall under Medicare Part B unless specific conditions are met.

Thus, outpatient services being covered under Medicare Part B is significant because it ensures that beneficiaries have access to essential medical care outside of a hospital setting, emphasizing the program's focus on preventive and routine care.