News: Study shows increase in observation services
July 19, 2012
CDI Strategies - Volume 6, Issue 15
Observation services increased 34% from 2007 to 2009, “from an average of 86.9 observation stay events per 1,000 inpatient admissions per month in 2007 to 116.6 in 2009,” according to a June article in the Journal HealthAffairs.
Further, the study shows that individuals held in observation were held there longer, some more than 72 hours.
Although helping physicians determine the best route of service for patients and appropriately designating that service typical falls to the utilization review and/or case management professionals, CDI specialists can play a role by ensuring that the appropriate documentation for the appropriate service is captured in the medical record.
“This is where CDI specialists can add real value, improving clinical documentation to the extent the record speaks for itself,” says Glenn Krauss, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPUR, FCS, PCS, CCDS, C-CDI, Independent Revenue Cycle Consultant in Madison, WI.
Editor’s Note: To learn more about the rules governing observation status assignment and payment for services listen to “Observation Services 2012: Build an audit defense, obtain appropriate reimbursement,” on-demand.