Using observation units more efficiently could save hospitals $4.6 million annually and $3.1 billion nationally, according to Healthcare Finance News.
A national study showed if hospitals without observations units had them in place, they would spend $1,572 less per patient. Observation units can be used to monitor certain patients instead of admitting them to the hospital.
Experts say using these observation rooms as an alternative to inpatient admission for patients who cannot be safely discharged to their homes following an emergency visit could boost efficiencies and cut national healthcare costs substantially, leading to lower bills for patients and providers.
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A national study showed if hospitals without observations units had them in place, they would spend $1,572 less per patient. Observation units can be used to monitor certain patients instead of admitting them to the hospital.
Experts say using these observation rooms as an alternative to inpatient admission for patients who cannot be safely discharged to their homes following an emergency visit could boost efficiencies and cut national healthcare costs substantially, leading to lower bills for patients and providers.
More Articles on Coding, Billing and Collections:
Affordable Care Act Could Mean More Medicare, Medicaid Audits
Will the Government Take a Bigger Role in ASC Billing Practices?
EHRs May Increase Bills But Physicians No More Likely to Upcode