Observation vs. admission algorithm
Hospitalist Leadership Connection, June 22, 2010
It is important to know whether a patient should be admitted for observation or for an inpatient admission. Consider the following algorithm.
Does the patient’s condition require treatment or further evaluation that can only be provided in a hospital setting, specifically as an inpatient or an observation?
- If yes, can the patient’s condition be evaluated or treated within 24 hours and/or is rapid improvement of the patient’s condition anticipated within 24 hours?
- If yes, admit for observation
- If no, admit for inpatient admission
- If no, the patient should be treated as an outpatient by home health or by an extended care facility.
- If unsure, keep the patient for additional time in the holding area to determine an ultimate yes or no.
The above excerpt is adapted from The Surgical Hospitalist Program Management Guide: Tools and strategies for executives and physicians, by John Nelson, MD, FACP, SFHM, and John Maa, MD, FACS, foreword by Robert M. Wachter, published by HCPro, Inc.
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