Q&A: Changes to MOON, IM, and DND forms

Q: What do case managers need to know about the changes to the Detailed Notice of Discharge (DND) form?

A: Beginning April 1, hospitals must use the new versions of three forms — the Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice (MOON), Important Message (IM), and DND.

The updated MOON form does not contain major changes. Only the expiration date differs from the previous MOON.

However, case managers need to be prepared for the changes to the IM and DND forms.

The previous DND form called for hospitals to list the patient’s condition(s) and state that those conditions do not require inpatient services. The new DND form requires a much more detailed explanation as to why discharge is warranted. Hospitals must clearly state the reason why inpatient services will no longer be covered and supply specific Medicare regulations that hospital staff members used to justify the decision.

This change could prove time consuming for hospitals. As is the case with the IM form, the additional work could fall on case managers.