If bleeding occurs in the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine, the stool may turn black and sticky, and be described medically as black, tarry stool (melena). Generally, black, tarry stool also is foul-smelling.
Q. I have Original Medicare. A. The Part B costs for Original Medicare are as follows: Premium - $104.90 per month (in 2015); Deductible - $147 per year (in 2015); and Coinsurance - 20 percent for most services Medicare Part B covers.
Medicare Part B, an optional service with a modest monthly premium (set at $93 per month in 2009), provides coverage for physician visits, diabetes screening, diabetes self-management training and nutrition counseling services, lab testing, diabetes glucose testing supplies, and insulin pumps and associated supplies.