Which part of Medicare is responsible for outpatient coverage?

Medicare Part B is responsible for outpatient coverage. This includes services provided by healthcare professionals outside of a hospital setting, such as visits to doctors, outpatient therapy, preventive services, and diagnostic tests. It's specifically designed to cover medically necessary services that do not require an overnight stay in a hospital.

Understanding this structure is important, as it helps individuals know which services are covered under Medicare when they seek outpatient care and how to navigate their healthcare options effectively. Other parts of Medicare serve different purposes—Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital stays and some skilled nursing facilities, Part C is a Medicare Advantage plan that combines Parts A and B and may include additional benefits, and Part D focuses on prescription drug coverage.