Hospitals are declaring Seniors as "Outpatients-Under Observation" rather than "Admitting" them when they check into the hospital? REF. AARP Bulletin article "Being Observed-It Can Cost You Plenty" published October 2012 Vol 53 No.8. The "Outpatient-Under Observation classification is erroneously used by hospitals instead of "Admitted" without notifying seniors and subsequently denies Seniors up to 21 days of Medicare rehabilitation nursing care coverage. The regulation requires seniors must be "Admitted" for a minimum of 3 days to the transferring primary hospital to qualify for rehabilitation nursing care. Require Hospitals give incoming patients written notification they are being classified "Outpatient Under Observation" NOT "Admitted". Insist on Classification Appeal Rights.
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