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Understanding Healthcare
What is Observation Status?
What is Observation Status?Observation Status is a type of outpatient care at the hospital. If you or a loved one is having a medicalemergency, when you arrive at the ER your healthcare provider will decide if you need to be put underobservation status based on the care you need.You may need to stay in the hospital overnight, or even for a few days, while your healthcare provider decidesif you need to be formally admitted.During observation status, you may have tests and treatments. You’ll be watched to see if your condition getsbetter. Then, your provider will either admit you to the hospital or send you home.It’s important to know that observation status may affect how your health plan covers the care you get.Services like lab tests or X-rays will be billed as outpatient care, not under an inpatient hospital stay.Observation status may also affect the care you get after you leave the hospital.If you have concerns about what you may need to pay for observation status, talk with your healthcare providerand your health plan. They can help you better understand your cost of care.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
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