InPatient Vs OutPatient Status

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/02/06/frustrating-medicare-catch-who-in-patient-at-hospital-and-who-under-observation/

This inpatient vs outpatient status has been a hot topic lately. We as Case Managers have the role to identify these patients and an obligation to let our patients know if they are not meeting the inpatient criteria. In relation to this issue, there is a bill out there introduced by Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, S. 569, Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2013, this bill will hopefully include patients who are receiving outpatient observation services to have those days count toward the 3 day inpatient hospital requirement prior to transfer to a skilled nursing facility. So, if you agree with this Bill, call your representative and let them know you care. Track this bill by clicking here.