Webinar Dec. 14: Updates on Medicare “observation status” issues
Observation Status and its Impact on SNF Coverage – An Update.
December 14, 2011, 2:00 PM Eastern
Register now for important updates on the nationwide problem of observation status in acute care hospitals. Medicare beneficiaries are placed in hospital beds and receive medical and nursing care, diagnostic tests, treatments, medications, and food for multiple days, but they are called outpatients, not inpatients. The result is a huge financial burden, particularly for beneficiaries who need post-hospital care in a skilled nursing facility and are told they did not have a qualifying three-day in-patient hospital stay. CMS’ refusal to alter this policy has led advocates to litigate the issue, which will also be discussed. The webinar will be presented by Center for Medicare Advocacy Policy Attorney Toby Edelman, Attorney Terry Berthelot, and Litigation Director Gill Deford.
- A new federal Class Action lawsuit filed to challenge this practice
- The scope of the problem and its causes
- How to pursue an administrative appeal
- Strategies for legislative and administrative advocacy