Certified Inpatient Coding (CIC) Practice Exam

How does Medicare Part A relate to skilled nursing facility care?

1. It does not cover skilled nursing facility care.

2. It includes coverage only for custodial care.

3. It provides coverage for skilled nursing facility care under certain conditions.

4. It specifically excludes nursing home care.

The correct answer is: It provides coverage for skilled nursing facility care under certain conditions.

Medicare Part A plays a significant role in covering skilled nursing facility (SNF) care, but its coverage comes with specific conditions. Under Medicare Part A, beneficiaries are eligible for coverage for skilled nursing care if they have been hospitalized for at least three consecutive days and are admitted to a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility within a specified period following their hospital stay. This coverage is intended for patients who require skilled nursing care or rehabilitation services but not for long-term custodial care. The coverage under Medicare Part A is aimed at patients who need daily skilled care from licensed nurses or therapy services due to a medical condition, injury, or surgical recovery. The focus on skilled care highlights Medicare Part A's role in providing necessary medical assistance rather than custodial care, which is typically not covered. In summary, Medicare Part A does indeed offer coverage for skilled nursing facility care when patients meet the required criteria, thus making the choice that states this provision accurate and relevant to understanding how Medicare supports patients in need of such care.