What type of care does Original Medicare cover in a skilled nursing facility for the first 20 days?

Original Medicare, which comprises Part A and Part B, provides coverage for certain health care services, including skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. For the first 20 days of an authorized stay in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare Part A covers all skilled nursing services necessary for the treatment of a specific illness or injury. This includes a range of services provided by skilled nurses, or nursing staff, who monitor the patient's condition and provide necessary care.

Skilled nursing services can encompass various types of care, including administration of medications, wound care, and rehabilitation services, all of which are essential for recovery following a hospital stay. The coverage is designed specifically for instances where patients require routine care and treatment from qualified health professionals, which justifies its inclusion under the umbrella of skilled nursing services.

In contrast, while physical therapy may be part of the skilled nursing services provided and is indeed covered under certain conditions, it is not the only type of care included; therefore, it does not encompass all that is covered in the first 20 days. Other options such as home care services and Part B services do not fit the specific context of skilled nursing facility coverage, further highlighting why the coverage for the 20-day period is defined as skilled nursing services.