What type of services does Medicare Part B cover?

Medicare Part B primarily focuses on coverage for outpatient services, which includes a range of medical necessities provided outside of a hospital setting. This can consist of doctor visits, outpatient care, certain tests, and preventive services, all designed to help manage health conditions and prevent further illness. An important aspect of Medicare Part B is its emphasis on making healthcare accessible for routine, non-emergency care.

While preventive services are indeed part of Part B's coverage (such as screenings and vaccinations), the key characteristic of outpatient services is that they are specifically services received without being admitted to a hospital. Therefore, identifying Medicare Part B's main function as coverage for outpatient services accurately reflects its role in providing essential healthcare services effectively and efficiently outside the inpatient hospital environment.