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Observation Units Can Improve Care But May Be Costly For Patients
There's a growing recognition by clinicians that some patients who arrive at the emergency department can benefit if they’re kept under observation for up to a day so that staff can run more tests and monitor their progress to see if their condition is improving or deteriorating.
Unfortunately, many hospitals and insurers haven't set up their clinical and billing systems or insurance contracts with these patients’ needs in mind. Not only does this result in a longer stay in some cases, but it also can cause confusion for patients and bigger patient bills. Many experts say that the problem is likely to get worse.
Read the full story: http://bit.ly/158I6NX
Source: Kaiser Health News
Stuck in Prior Auth Purgatory: The Hidden Costs of Health Care Delays
June 19th 2025Delays, denials, and endless paperwork—prior authorization isn’t just a headache for providers; it’s a barrier for patients who need timely care, explains Colin Banas, MD, MHA, chief medical officer with DrFirst.
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Democratic Doctors Caucus Reaffirms EMTALA Amid Trump's CMS Policy Reversal on Abortion Care
June 18th 2025Democratic leaders assert the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) remains vital for emergency care, countering confusion from recent policy changes affecting abortion rights and patient safety.
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