Observation status: When you’re not a hospital inpatient
Two decades ago, a decision was made by Medicare policymakers that carotid endarterectomies would not be allowed. Their claim was too many were being done costing Medicare money. The following year, data revealed a sharp rise in debilitating strokes, so wisely, surgical criteria was developed recommencing the use of this quality-of-life saving operation.
For years, there have been other misjudgments against Medicare patients that are only now becoming apparent. Let me clarify …