Certified Inpatient Coding (CIC) Practice Exam

How is a screening colonoscopy for a Medicare patient classified for coverage?

1. Medicare Part A

2. Medicare Part B

3. Medicare Part C

4. Medicare Part D

The correct answer is: Medicare Part B

A screening colonoscopy for a Medicare patient is classified under Medicare Part B. This part of Medicare primarily covers outpatient services, including preventive services such as screenings. Medicare Part B allows for coverage of services that are necessary for early detection of diseases, contributing significantly to preventive healthcare. In the case of a screening colonoscopy, this procedure is considered a preventive service aimed at detecting potential issues, such as colorectal cancers, before symptoms arise. Preventive screenings under Medicare Part B are typically covered without any out-of-pocket cost for the beneficiary, provided that certain criteria are met. Other parts of Medicare do not apply to this scenario: Medicare Part A generally covers inpatient hospital stays and some other types of inpatient services, while Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, encompasses both A and B coverage but does not itself specifically provide coverage classification. Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage and is unrelated to screenings or preventive procedures. Thus, the correct classification is under Medicare Part B.