What type of nursing services does Medicare Part A cover?

• A. Only private duty nursing services
• B. Routine nursing services while hospitalized
• C. Outpatient rehabilitation services only
• D. Home health nursing care exclusively

Answer: (B)

Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital services, which includes routine nursing services provided during a hospital stay. While beneficiaries are hospitalized, Part A will cover care received from registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and other necessary nursing staff as part of the total care plan. This coverage is essential in ensuring that patients receive adequate medical attention and daily nursing services while they are receiving acute care in a facility.

In contrast, private duty nursing services are not covered under Medicare Part A; these are typically considered non-skilled services that can be arranged privately. Outpatient rehabilitation services fall under Medicare Part B rather than Part A, which means that they are not included in the coverage for inpatient hospital care. Finally, home health nursing care is also covered, but this is specifically under certain conditions and primarily through Medicare Part A when it is associated with a prior hospitalization. However, it does not encompass the broader protections offered specifically for routine nursing services during a stay in the hospital.