Certified Inpatient Coding (CIC) Practice Exam

Which Medicare Part covers hospice services for patients with end-stage liver cancer?

1. Medicare Part A

2. Medicare Part B

3. Medicare Part C

4. Medicare Part D

The correct answer is: Medicare Part A

Medicare Part A is the correct choice because it is designed to cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services. Specifically, hospice services under Part A are available to patients diagnosed with a terminal illness, such as end-stage liver cancer, when they choose to forgo curative treatment and focus on comfort care. Part A provides comprehensive hospice benefits, which include nursing care, medications for symptom management, medical supplies, and support services for the patient and their family. This ensures that patients receive high-quality care to manage pain and improve their quality of life during their final stages. In contrast, Medicare Part B primarily covers outpatient services, physician visits, and some preventive care, which do not include hospice services. Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is a bundled plan that includes both Part A and Part B coverage, but it does not directly provide additional hospice services outside what is offered under Part A. Lastly, Medicare Part D is focused on prescription drug coverage, which does not encompass hospice care services. Hence, Medicare Part A is the appropriate part for hospice benefits in this context.