Lenoir Memorial

Medicare Benefits

“Medical Necessity” is a term that has been used in recent years by Medicare and may not be familiar to you. “Medical Necessity” means that there are procedures and services physicians may prescribe for you that they may feel are necessary to manage your health. However, Medicare may not pay for certain services based up on their policies.

In the past, Medicare has covered most procedures. With the emergence of MRI, CT Scan, and other sophisticated and costly services  and procedures as the diagnostic methods of choice, it is important for you to know what procedures and services will be covered by asking your physicians and or Medicare. We also encourage you to discuss with your physicians other treatment options available to you that may give them the information that they need to treat you. If your physician orders a procedure or service that Medicare may not cover, you may be asked to sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN). The ABN informs you in advance that Medicare is not likely to pay for the procedure or service, and that you will be responsible for payment. By signing the ABN, you are indicating that you understand and agree to be personally and fully responsible for payment.

Medicare beneficiaries are responsible for deductibles and co-insurance. If you receive services as an outpatient or in outpatient observation, you will be billed for non-covered oral drugs and some injectable drugs that fall under the category of Self-Administered. Please refer to the online version of National Medicare Handbook at www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227 if you need more information.

Do You Have Any Options?

You can agree to be financially responsible for the procedure by signing the ABN form, or you can refuse the test or services. If you refuse the test or services, you will also be asked to sign a form indicating you’ve elected not to have the service. If you request the services and will not sign the ABN, you will still be responsible for payment. If you need services that are not covered by Medicare, you will be responsible for payment. You have the right to appeal a Medicare decision not in your favor. If you would like to appeal a Medicare decision, or have other Medicare questions, please contact the Medicare beneficiary hotline at 800-633-4227.