Final answer:
Non-institutional providers and suppliers use the CMS-1500 form to bill Medicare Part B, which includes physician services, medical tests, and outpatient visits as part of a fee-for-service system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question is a. CMS-1500. This form is utilized by non-institutional providers and suppliers to bill Medicare Part B for covered services. Medicare Part B is part of a broader healthcare system and covers costs for physician services, medical tests, and outpatient visits. It operates on a fee-for-service basis, meaning providers are reimbursed for the cost of the services they provide. In contrast, Medicare Part A deals with hospital charges and is primarily funded through payroll deductions. Understanding these differences is important for those working within the healthcare financing system, whether in fee-for-service systems or health maintenance organizations (HMOs).