Does Medicare Part A cover inpatient doctor visits?

Asked by: Mr. Emmet Wiegand  |  Last update: December 4, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (34 votes)

Part A covers inpatient care, skilled nursing services, some home health and rehabilitation costs, and hospice care. However, it does not cover doctor fees during a hospital stay, as Part B covers those costs.

Does Medicare Part A cover doctor visits in hospital?

Original Medicare comprises Part A, which covers hospital care, and Part B, which covers many medical services, including doctor visits.

Which of the following is not covered by Medicare Part A?

Generally, most vision, dental and hearing services are not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. Other services not covered by Medicare Parts A and B include: Routine physical exams. Cosmetic surgery.

Does Medicare Part A cover inpatient hospitalization?

In general, Medicare Part A helps pay for inpatient care you get in hospitals, critical access hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities.

Is inpatient rehab covered by Medicare Part A?

Inpatient rehabilitation care. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Health care services or supplies needed to diagnose or treat an illness, injury, condition, disease, or its symptoms and that meet accepted standards of medicine.

What Does Medicare Part A Cover?

15 related questions found

How long does Medicare pay for inpatient therapy?

Medicare covers inpatient rehab in a skilled nursing facility – also known as an SNF – for up to 100 days.

Who qualifies for inpatient rehab?

A diagnosis of chemical dependency is the first criterion. Symptoms must have persisted for at least a month or have occurred repeatedly over a longer period of time. The individual must be medically stable and not in active withdrawal. Detoxification must precede inpatient or residential rehab if necessary.

Does Medicare Part A pay for inpatient professional fees?

Part A covers inpatient care, skilled nursing services, some home health and rehabilitation costs, and hospice care. However, it does not cover doctor fees during a hospital stay, as Part B covers those costs.

Does Medicare Part A cover ER visits?

ER visits are considered outpatient stays, and Medicare Part A does not cover outpatient stays. However, if you're formally admitted to the hospital with a doctor's order, Part A will help pay for your inpatient hospital stay.

What is the inpatient deductible for Part A Medicare?

Medicare Part A Premium and Deductible

The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible that beneficiaries pay if admitted to the hospital will be $1,676 in 2025, an increase of $44 from $1,632 in 2024.

What services are not included in Medicare Part A?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Does Medicare cover 100% of hospital bills?

Whether you're new to Original Medicare or have been enrolled for some time, understanding the limitations of your coverage is important as you navigate decisions about your healthcare. One of the main reasons why Original Medicare doesn't cover 100% of your medical bills is because it operates on a cost-sharing model.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

What does Medicare Part A not pay for?

Unfortunately, original Medicare — Part A and Part B — does not cover major dental equipment and procedures such as dentures and root canals, which can cost thousands of dollars. The program also doesn't cover routine dental checkups, cleanings, or X-rays.

How many hours is considered an inpatient stay?

An inpatient admission is generally appropriate when you're expected to need 2 or more midnights of medically necessary hospital care. But, your doctor must order such admission and the hospital must formally admit you in order for you to become an inpatient.

Do all hospitals accept Medicare Part A?

Not all hospitals accept Medicare, but luckily, the vast majority of hospitals do. Generally, the hospitals that do not accept Medicare are Veterans Affairs and active military hospitals (they operate with VA and military benefits instead), though there are a few other exceptions nationwide.

What does Medicare Part A pay for a hospital stay?

Days 1–60: (of each benefit period): $0 after you meet your Part A deductible ($1,676). Days 61–90: (of each benefit period): $419 each day. In Original Medicare, these are additional days that Medicare will pay for when you're in a hospital for more than 90 days.

Is Medicare Part A free at age 65?

Premium-Free Medicare Part A Based on Age

To be eligible for premium-free Part A on the basis of age: A person must be age 65 or older; and. Be eligible for monthly Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) cash benefits.

What is a qualifying inpatient stay for Medicare?

A qualifying inpatient hospital stay means you've been a hospital inpatient for at least 3 days in a row (counting the day you were admitted as an inpatient, but not counting the day of your discharge). Medicare will only cover care you get in a SNF if you first have a “qualifying inpatient hospital stay.”

What Medicare part covers inpatient?

Part A covers medically necessary inpatient hospital care, which is care that you receive as a formally admitted hospital inpatient. You must be formally admitted into the hospital by a physician in order for your care to be considered inpatient hospital care.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

How many days does Medicare Part A cover?

Once you meet your deductible, Part A will pay for days 1–60 that you are in the hospital. For days 61–90, you will pay a coinsurance for each day. If you need to stay in the hospital for longer than 90 days, you can use up to 60 lifetime reserve days.

How many days does Medicare pay for rehab for seniors?

Medicare Rehab Coverage FAQs

Medicare Part A will usually cover up to 60 days of inpatient rehab per benefit period, with a $1,632 deductible as of 2024. For days 61 to 90, patients will pay a $400 copay per day. For outpatient rehab services, Medicare Part B generally covers a certain number of visits per year.

What is the 3 hour rule for inpatient rehab?

Generally, the therapy intensity requirement is met with 3 hours per day 5 days per week or 15 hours per week. The patient must receive a minimum of 15 hours per week of therapy services, unless documentation supports medical issues justifying a brief exception not to exceed three consecutive days.

Who is a candidate for inpatient rehab?

You may be a candidate for Inpatient Rehabilitation if your recovery from injury or illness involves: Close medical supervision by a physician with specialized training or experience in rehabilitation. Immediate access to consulting specialists, diagnostic testing, or life support services.