Medicare Benefits
Contact Info
Medicare Claims Analysts
252-522-7812
252-522-7805
252-522-7076
Email:
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“Medical Necessity” is a term that has been used in recent years by Medicare and may not be familiar to you. “Medical Necessity” means that there are procedures and services physicians may prescribe for you that they may feel are necessary to manage your health. However, Medicare may not pay for certain services based up on their policies.
In the past, Medicare has covered most procedures. With the emergence of MRI, CT Scan, and other sophisticated and costly services and procedures as the diagnostic methods of choice, it is important for you to know what procedures and services will be covered by asking your physicians and or Medicare. We also encourage you to discuss with your physicians other treatment options available to you that may give them the information that they need to treat you. If your physician orders a procedure or service that Medicare may not cover, you may be asked to sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN). The ABN informs you in advance that Medicare is not likely to pay for the procedure or service, and that you will be responsible for payment. By signing the ABN, you are indicating that you understand and agree to be personally and fully responsible for payment.
Medicare beneficiaries are responsible for deductibles and co-insurance. If you receive services as an outpatient or in outpatient observation, you will be billed for non-covered oral drugs and some injectable drugs that fall under the category of Self-Administered. Please refer to the online version of National Medicare Handbook at www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227 if you need more information.
Do You Have Any Options?
You can agree to be financially responsible for the procedure by signing the ABN form, or you can refuse the test or services. If you refuse the test or services, you will also be asked to sign a form indicating you’ve elected not to have the service. If you request the services and will not sign the ABN, you will still be responsible for payment. If you need services that are not covered by Medicare, you will be responsible for payment. You have the right to appeal a Medicare decision not in your favor. If you would like to appeal a Medicare decision, or have other Medicare questions, please contact the Medicare beneficiary hotline at 800-633-4227.
Lighten Up Lenoir
Lighten Up Lenoir is a new free community weight loss program sponsored by the Minges Wellness Center and the Lenoir Memorial Foundation. Lighten Up Lenoir is designed to help you lose weight by forming motivational groups of four to keep you on target. It’s a fun way for the whole community to get healthier together. The competition begins January 23 so log on and sign up! www.lightenuplenoir.org
LEARN MORELenoir Memorial opens Lenoir Surgical
On November 21, Lenoir Memorial opened its second hospital-owned clinic in Lenoir County. Lenoir Surgical, located in the old Kinston Surgical Associates offices, is now the office of Todd Tanner, MD. Tanner has been serving the patients of Eastern NC since 1998. He and his family have close ties to Kinston and are looking forward to making Kinston home.
Lenoir Surgical
252-775-5999
LEARN MORELenoir Memorial partners with Cherry Energy
Lenoir Memorial and Cherry Energy are teaming up in the fight against breast cancer. Cherry Energy has recently painted one of their delivery trucks pink and is "Fueling the Fight" against cancer. For every gallon pumped from their pink delivery truck, a portion of the proceeds will go towards breast cancer awareness and prevention right here in Lenoir County. Join the fight!
LEARN MORENew Cancer Resource Center opens in October
Lenoir Memorial was recently selected by the American Cancer Society as one of only three organizations in North Carolina to receive special grant funding to support the operation of a Cancer Resource Center. The resource center, allows Lenoir Memorial to elevate the level of care and services offered to cancer patients.
LEARN MOREPersonal Wellness Profiles
A personal wellness profile (PWP) is a health risk appraisal. This tool provides valuable personal information about you so that an indiviudalized plan for life-style improvements can be developed. The PWP includes an assessment of your blood pressure, heart-rate, height, weight, and full lipid panel (all cholesterols). You are asked to complete a simple questionnaire about cancer, safety, and cardiovascular risks. The two-part visit is $40. Call Corporate Health Nurse Donna Potter, RN, at 252-522-7815 to schedule an appointment or learn more about this motivational tool.
LEARN MORERevitalize
Revitalize your mind and body with stretching, yoga moves, and breathing techniques. Use this mid-week (and no sweat class) to relieve ever-present stress, and soothe tight, achy muscles and joints. Connie Smith, fitness instructor, will be leading this 30 minute class. Join us on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. in the Minges Wellness Center.
LEARN MOREMatt’s Fit Camp
Fit Camp begins January 5 but continues on Mondays and Thursdays at 5:30. Fit Camp is a fun and innovative health and fitness program only offered at the Minges Wellness Center! This class uses movement and equipment to build strength, burn calories, and improve flexibility.
LEARN MOREEnergy Balance with Lisa & Kelly
Come talk with us and learn why a healthy weight is important for your overall health. If you are overweight or obese, you are at a greater risk for health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, lung problems, and certain cancers. For these reasons, come learn why “energy balance” is important for maintaining a healthy weight.
LEARN MOREColorectal Cancer Screen
This free clinic is for men & women age 40 and up who have never been screened for or had colorectal cancer. Preregister by calling 252-522-7846.
LEARN MOREColorectal Cancer Screen
This free clinic is for men & women age 40 and up who have never been screened for or had colorectal cancer. Preregister by calling 252-522-7014.
LEARN MORE