Here's some important news!!!!!!!!
 

You just never know who's out to screw you but here's a perfect example


The Two Words That Cost Medicare Patients Thousands - Video on NBCNews.com

It seems that hey will do anything to get out of paying for care. Shameful and sad.

The video said that this issue is under litigation. When was this news piece done and has the litigation finalized? What was the outcome. I guess I am asking, "Can they still screw us with the "under observation" caveat?

Below the video is says: Nightly News | January 09, 2014

So I guess if they want to keep you in the hospital "under observation" you better high tail it out of there and take yourself home and pray for the best???

Thank you Champion6

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.