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New Outpatient Observation Status Toolkit

With generous support from the John A. Hartford Foundation, the Center for Medicare Advocacy has compiled a Toolkit for patients who find themselves stuck in the ongoing trap of "outpatient" Observation Status.  Patients may find themselves in the hospital, receiving medical services, tests, and treatment, sometimes for many days, but learn they are considered outpatients, in Observation Status, not admitted inpatients. This is understandably confusing for patients and families – and difficult for hospitals, hospital physicians and personnel.

The information in our Toolkit can help beneficiaries, families, advocates and providers understand and respond to an “outpatient” Observation Status designation.  The Toolkit contains our Observation Status Infographic; Frequently Asked Questions; A Fact Sheet, Summary & Stories from our partners in the Observation Coalition; A Sample Notice (the MOON); our Recorded Webinar (slides in the printable .pdf); Beneficiary/Advocate Q&A; and our Self-Help Packet.

The Toolkit can be downloaded in its entirety or browsed online at http://www.medicareadvocacy.org/medicare-hospital-outpatient-observation-status-toolkit.

The John A. Hartford Foundation, based in New York City, is a private, nonpartisan, national philanthropy dedicated to improving the care of older adults. For more than three decades, the organization has been the leader in building a field of experts in aging and testing and replicating innovative approaches to care. The Foundation has three areas of emphasis: creating age-friendly health systems, supporting family caregivers, and improving serious illness and end-of-life care. Working with its grantees, the Foundation strives to change the status quo and create a society where older adults can continue their vital contributions. For more information, visit johnahartford.org and follow @johnahartford.

The Center for Medicare Advocacy, established in 1986, is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan law organization that provides education, advocacy and legal assistance to help older people and people with disabilities obtain access to Medicare and quality health care. The Center is headquartered in Connecticut and Washington, DC with offices throughout the country.

Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc. • www.MedicareAdvocacy.org • PO Box 350, Willimantic, CT 06226 • 1025 CT Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036
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