Unfortunately the OBS status hasn't went away and seems more an issue than ever before. Medicare has issued a new "2 midnight rule" that states the physician must state if he/she feels patient will be in the hospital at least thru 2 midnights, and if so place them in admit status, guess this was supposed to "clear things up" if anything has made it more muddy for providers and patients. And to add to the problems the Medicare Advantage providers/insurers have directed doctors to place patients in OBS unless a life threatening Dx has been determined ie: confirmed MI/Stroke in the ER. Patients pay more out of pocket costs in the OBS status and therefore the insurer can save money. Sorry for rambling, I just see this everyday and really wonder where it is all going.
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