Patients who think they have been "admitted" to the hospital, are finding out after the fact that they were being "observed" instead. This difference in status comes despite the fact that they have likely been moved from the emergency room to a bed in the hospital just like an admitted patient. Unfortunately, the consequences for Medicare patients are particularly severe as Medicare reimburses differently for outpatient (i.e. hospital observation services). Additionally, the time a patient spends in a hospital under observation status does not qualify them for skilled nursing facility care they may require to rehabilitate. A new bill has been introduced requires that patients be notified verbally and in writing if they are placed in observation status and requires the Department of Health to establish a standard notification form.Join the Senior Umbrella Network of Brooklyn for a free seminar on this legislation. TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014TIME9-11 AM (Doors open at 8:30 AM)LOCATIONBensonhurst Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare1740 84th StreetSPEAKERMaria Alvarez, Executive DirectorBWICA Educational FundNY State Wide Senior Action Councilemail: info@sunb.org 516.455.9612
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