Which of the following items is NOT included as "packaged" under the Medicare outpatient prospective payment system?

In the context of the Medicare outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS), "packaging" refers to the bundling of certain ancillary services and items into a single payment for outpatient procedures. This means that certain services are not reimbursed separately because they are considered integral to a primary service.

The correct answer, medical visits, is not included as packaged items under OPPS because outpatient visits are typically billed separately. Medical visits pertain to the evaluation and management services provided during a patient's visit, which are reimbursed independently. This allows healthcare providers to receive direct compensation for the cognitive work involved in assessing and managing patient care.

In contrast, the other items mentioned—recovery room services, medical supplies, and anesthesia—are commonly considered packaged services. These are bundled within the payment for the outpatient procedure, streamlining the billing process and promoting efficiency in care delivery. These bundled payments help control costs and reduce the administrative burden on providers by consolidating payment for related services.

Understanding the distinction between packaged services and separately billable services is crucial for healthcare reimbursement practices and effective resource allocation in outpatient settings.