HELPING YOU PUT TOGETHER YOUR MEDICARE PUZZLE
MBG IS AN INSURANCE BROKER AND IS NOT ASSOCIATED, ENDORSED, OR AUTHORIZED BY THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, OR THE CENTER FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES (CMS)
jim.neil@medicarebenefitsgroup.com – 734-657-4797
MEDICARE INSURANCE
MADE SIMPLE
https://www.medicarebenefitsgroup.com/contact/
Hello, health navigators! ???? Today, we’re diving into the depths of Medicare to answer a question that’s been on many minds: “How do I know if a service or procedure is considered medically necessary by Medicare?” ???? If you’ve ever scratched your head over this, you’re in for a treat. Let’s unravel the mystery together! ????
Medicare and Medical Necessity: A Quick Intro ????
Medicare, our beloved federal health insurance program, doesn’t just cover any and every service or procedure. There’s a golden term they use: “medically necessary.” But what does it mean? Simply put, a service or procedure is deemed medically necessary if it’s required to diagnose or treat an illness, injury, condition, disease, or its symptoms and meets accepted standards of medicine. ????
How to Determine Medical Necessity? ????
1. The Medicare Handbook ????: Every year, Medicare beneficiaries receive the “Medicare & You” handbook. This treasure trove outlines which services and procedures are covered and under what conditions.
2. Your Healthcare Provider ????⚕️: Often, the best source of information is your doctor or healthcare provider. They can tell you if a service or procedure is medically necessary and if it’s typically covered by Medicare.
3. The Medicare Website ????: Medicare’s official website has a plethora of resources, including a search tool to check if specific services or procedures are covered.
4. Prior Authorization ????: For some services or procedures, Medicare might require prior authorization. This means they need to approve the service or procedure in advance, ensuring it’s medically necessary.
Tips for Navigating Medical Necessity ????
1. Stay Informed ????: Regularly review your “Medicare & You” handbook and any updates to stay on top of what’s covered.
2. Open Communication ????️: Always discuss potential services or procedures with your healthcare provider. They can guide you on medical necessity and potential coverage.
3. Keep Records ????: Maintain documentation of all your medical visits, diagnoses, and recommendations. This can be handy if you ever need to discuss coverage with Medicare.
Understanding what Medicare considers “medically necessary” can feel like decoding a secret language. But with the right resources and open communication with your healthcare provider, it becomes much clearer. Remember, Medicare aims to ensure beneficiaries receive the right care for the right reasons.
Got more questions about Medicare and medical necessity? Drop them in the comments below or reach out to us. We’re here to help you navigate your healthcare journey with confidence. Stay informed and stay healthy! ????
MBG IS AN INSURANCE BROKER AND IS NOT ASSOCIATED, ENDORSED, OR AUTHORIZED BY THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, OR THE CENTER FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID
SERVICES (CMS)
