The Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association
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J Okla State Med Assoc · Jul 2006
Admitting a patient "to" observation or "for" observation--what is the difference?
Coding and billing of a patient placed in "observation" status can be confusing, especially in a busy Emergency Department. If physicians know the rules related to observation status, they can avoid denials or accusations of false claims. ⋯ If the order states "admit to observation," this normally would be interpreted as an order for outpatient observation. Physicians are encouraged to write admission orders that clearly state the level of services intended; for example, wording such as "place in outpatient observation" or "admit as inpatient," to clearly convey the physician's intent.