Outpatient surgery is done without admission to the hospital. It may be done in a hospital, doctor's office, clinic, or surgical center. Usually you go home the same day.
Medicare is a federal government program. It provides healthcare coverage for people 65 and older. It also provides coverage for people of any age who have certain disabilities.
Medicare is divided into 2 parts: Part A and Part B. Each part covers different services. Both parts pay some of the costs for needed medical services. Rules about what Medicare covers can be confusing. Rules also change from time to time. Your local Social Security office can answer your questions about Medicare.
Part B of Medicare covers surgery if it is medically necessary. Your healthcare provider must tell you if he or she thinks Medicare will judge the surgery to be necessary.
First you pay the deductible. Then Medicare will pay 80% of the approved charges. You will pay the other 20%.
Healthcare providers can choose or not choose Medicare assignment.
If a surgeon does not accept Medicare assignment, he or she must give you a written estimate of the charges.
For more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Or visit the Web site at http://www.medicare.gov.
