During your hospital visit, the last thing on your mind is to ask your doctor how your stay is being classified.
Are you being considered an outpatient, or what’s called “observation status,” or are you being considered inpatient?
It’s important to know this information because it can impact the medical charges you’ll face later, especially if you are a Medicare beneficiary.
It’s your right to ask your doctor how you will be classified during your stay. If you don’t agree with the status, you can reach out to a patient advocate within your hospital system.
If you believe your hospital status is incorrect and your medical provider or insurance company isn’t reviewing your case, you can also reach out to Consumer Investigator Kristin Byrne, at Kristin.byrne@tmj4.com
Other helpful patient advocate websites include:
