In a scenario where Medicare was billed for a work-related injury, what should the facility have done instead?

In the context of a work-related injury, the appropriate course of action is to bill the employer's workers' compensation payer. Workers' compensation is specifically designed to cover medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job, ensuring that the financial responsibility falls on the employer's insurance rather than on Medicare or the patient.

Billing Medicare in this situation can lead to improper claim submissions, as Medicare is not the primary payer for work-related injuries. According to the guidelines established by Medicare, if a patient has an injury related to their employment, the workers' compensation insurance is obligated to handle the associated medical costs first. This not only ensures compliance with billing regulations but also protects the patient's Medicare benefits for future medical needs.

The other choices depict incorrect approaches to handling the billing process for a work-related injury. Directly billing the patient, requesting the employer cover costs without involving the appropriate payer, or keeping the Medicare reimbursement are not aligned with the regulations governing injuries and Medicare claims. These practices could result in denied claims or potential legal issues due to improper billing, thus reinforcing the necessity of utilizing the workers' compensation payer for such incidents.