CMS floats appeals process over observational stays

CMS issued a proposed rule Dec. 21 that outlines a process for Medicare beneficiaries to appeal their observational status during a hospital stay.

Advertisement

The rule stems from a class-action lawsuit filed in 2011 on behalf of Medicare fee-for-service patients who didn’t receive Part A coverage because hospitals did not designate them as inpatients. A court ruling — affirmed by a federal appeals court in 2022 — ordered HHS to create additional appeals processes for beneficiaries admitted as inpatients but whose status changed to outpatient during the hospital stay, according to AHA News.

The proposed rule outlines standard, expedited and retrospective appeals processes for eligible Medicare patients. Patients can only appeal status changes dating back to Jan. 1, 2009. 

CMS is accepting comments on the proposed rule through Feb. 25.

Read the full rule here.

Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit

Advertisement

Next Up in Financial Management

Advertisement

Comments are closed.