Observation vs. Inpatient: How to Manage Level of Care

Observation care carries various definitions, and is implemented inconsistently, but sits right at the center of the inpatient admission decision made millions of times a day that serves as one of the major friction points between payers and providers. Detailed database analysis of regional and national practice patterns in the usage of observation care, including analysis of individual diagnoses, leads to the conclusion that at present, observation care is often misunderstood and misapplied by clinicians. Once this misutilization is recognized, appropriate use of evidence-based criteria can address it.

This white paper download explores:

• Usage patterns of Observation Care
• Geographic variations
• Discussion of evidence-based guidelines to support duration of Observation Care