News & Analysis

Work with bed flow coordinators to improve throughput

January 1, 2011
Case Management Monthly

Bed flow coordinators and case managers must work together to ensure proper patient throughput.

ACE-ing care transitions means blending utilization review and discharge planning tactics

January 1, 2011
Case Management Monthly

Finding a tool that organizes the discharge process into a framework may provide for a more timely and accurate plan. 

Your observation services questions answered

January 1, 2011
Case Management Monthly

In a recent HCPro audio conference titled “ Observation Services v. Inpatient Admission: Assign Proper Level of Care and Prevent Denials,” experts answered listeners’ questions about proper use of observation services. 

Patient choice is about quality, not quantity

January 1, 2011
Case Management Monthly

Medicare guidelines state that patients must be given a choice when it comes to their discharge options, but hospitals have a number of other options when it comes to discussing discharge plans with their patients.

Team struggles to arrange outpatient dialysis treatment for noncompliant patient

January 1, 2011
Case Management Monthly

Gerald is a 47-year-old male with a history of drug abuse and suicide attempts. He also presents to the ED at least twice per week. 

Properly using condition code 44 and capturing your costs

December 1, 2010
Case Management Monthly

Condition code 44 has been problematic for hospitals since its inception in 2004 due to CMS’ unclear language, multiple changes to the observation billing rules, and inconsistent guidance.

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