Final answer:
Outpatient diagnostic services provided within three days of an inpatient admission must be bundled with the inpatient charges under Medicare Part A, to prevent separate reimbursements for services related to the inpatient stay.
Step-by-step explanation:
When outpatient diagnostic services are provided to a Medicare beneficiary within three days prior to the admission to an IPPS hospital, these charges must be bundled into the inpatient admission charges. This policy is intended to prevent separate reimbursement for services that are related to the inpatient stay. Under Medicare Part A, which addresses hospital charges, these outpatient services are included in the payment for the inpatient stay because they are seen as part of the inpatient treatment. This bundling of services ensures a consolidated payment, which reflects the overall care provided during the patient's treatment period.