Question:
Does Medicare separately pay for drugs used during procedures?
Answer:
Payment for drugs and supplies used in the performance of procedures is included in the fee for the procedure, which is not separately billable to Medicare or the beneficiary. The Medicare exclusion is clear for oral drugs, suppositories and topical medications. Drugs that are covered as an integral part of the procedure (e.g., a topical ophthalmic anesthetic) are not separately reimbursed but considered part of the fee for the procedure.