Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2011 Section by Section Summary Sen. John F. Kerry & Sen. Olympia Snowe Section 1: Short Title—"Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2011". Section 2: Counting … [Read more...] about Senators Kerry and Snowe, with Representatives Courtney and Latham, Introduce Legislation to Ensure Skilled Care for Seniors
Observation Status
Extended Observation Stays in Acute Care Hospitals: Criticism, Legislation and Discussion
"Observation" is the term used to describe the outpatient status of a patient who is in a hospital, but not as an inpatient. Although the Medicare Manuals limit observation to 24-48 hours, many beneficiaries nationwide are experiencing extended stays … [Read more...] about Extended Observation Stays in Acute Care Hospitals: Criticism, Legislation and Discussion
Overcoming Barriers to Medicare Coverage of Skilled Nursing Facility Care
On March 10, 2010 NCCCNHR, The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, along with the Center for Medicare Advocacy hosted a web seminar on overcoming barriers to skilled nursing care, presented by Center Senior Policy Attorney Toby S. … [Read more...] about Overcoming Barriers to Medicare Coverage of Skilled Nursing Facility Care
Observation Services: What Can Beneficiaries and Advocates Do?
What are Observation Services? CMS Brochure Favorable Decisions What Should Beneficiaries and their Advocates Do? Continuing WorkBeing in a hospital bed in a … [Read more...] about Observation Services: What Can Beneficiaries and Advocates Do?
“Observation Status” Harms SNF Patients As Well As Hospital Patients
Advocates at the Center for Medicare Advocacy are working on a case involving an individual who was in a hospital bed for four days but was never "formally admitted". Instead, the hospital accorded her "observation status". … [Read more...] about “Observation Status” Harms SNF Patients As Well As Hospital Patients
When is Hospital Stay NOT a Hospital Stay? When the Patient Is In “Observation Status”
The Medicare statute and regulations authorize payment for skilled nursing facility (SNF) care for a beneficiary who, among other requirements, was a hospital inpatient for at least three days before the admission to the SNF. The Center for … [Read more...] about When is Hospital Stay NOT a Hospital Stay? When the Patient Is In “Observation Status”
Keeping Hospital Patients on “Observation Status” Rather Than Admitting Them Harms SNF Patients As Well As Hospital Patients
Advocates at the Center for Medicare Advocacy recently settled a case involving an individual who was in a hospital bed for four days but was never "formally admitted ". Instead, the hospital accorded her "observation status ". … [Read more...] about Keeping Hospital Patients on “Observation Status” Rather Than Admitting Them Harms SNF Patients As Well As Hospital Patients
Lormore v. Shalala – Center Successfully Settles "Observation" Case
No. 3:00CV563(AVC), filed March 24, 2000Updated: April 19, 2001Issue: (1) Whether a four-day stay in a hospital can be considered "outpatient observation" status and thus preclude meeting the 3-day qualifying condition for post-hospital skilled … [Read more...] about Lormore v. Shalala – Center Successfully Settles "Observation" Case