Shift in hospital billing means greater costs for patients?

by ~ The Rebel ~ Posted 2012/06/05 18:36:48

Related Topics: Health, Treatment, affair, Affairs, University, 6, Monday, Hospital, Medical

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A hospital billing practice that can leave Medicare beneficiaries on the hook for large medical costs is becoming increasingly common, according to a report released in Health Affairs on Monday.

Three researchers from Brown University examined how frequently patients are placed on “observation status,” meaning they’re getting treatment in a hospital but are not technically admitted. That means their care is covered by Medicare Part B rather than Part A, which can leave patients responsible for a greater share of their costs.

But patients who are not admitted to a hospital and then go to a nursing home take the biggest hit, because Medicare covers nursing home care for beneficiaries only after they’ve been hospitalized. And nursing home care isn’t cheap.

Flamingolady 2012/06/05 18:49:33

+3
All I can say is, you ain't seen nothing yet! If the Affordable Health Care Law goes into effect, then wait for the s@#& to hit the fan. It will be a nightmare beyond any one's belief.
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Flamingolady 2012/06/05 18:49:33

+3
All I can say is, you ain't seen nothing yet! If the Affordable Health Care Law goes into effect, then wait for the s@#& to hit the fan. It will be a nightmare beyond any one's belief.

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