Observation Services
Based on your/their condition, you or your loved one has been placed on observation status for further monitoring and evaluation. This FAQ will help you understand why this status was chosen and what to expect during your stay.
Understanding Observation Services
What are observation services?
Observation services are a type of outpatient hospital care designed for short-term monitoring and evaluation. Your doctor uses this time to decide whether you need inpatient admission or if you can be safely discharged with follow-up care.
These services typically take place in the emergency department or another area of the hospital and may include tests, treatments, and continuous monitoring. Observation can last up to 48 hours, but our goal is to decide within 24 hours.
Will my insurance cover observation services?
Insurance coverage varies by patient and policy. We recommend contacting your insurance company to learn about your specific plan’s coverage, costs, and limitations.
For observation care to be covered, it must be deemed medically necessary, meaning it’s required to diagnose or treat your condition at a hospital level. Observation does not include:
- Custodial care: Help with daily activities such as eating, dressing, or bathing.
- Convenience-based care: Services chosen for ease or personal preference rather than medical necessity.
When will I be discharged?
Our goal is to provide efficient, high-quality care so that you can return home as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. As discharge may occur at any time of day, day, we ask that transportation arrangements be made in advance to ensure a timely departure. Once your doctor writes the discharge order, you may be moved to our first-floor discharge lounge or a designated area on your unit—also called an alcove area—while final discharge details are arranged. This helps ensure your comfort while we prepare the room for the next patient.
What if I need to stay longer than 24 to 48 hours?
If your provider determines during observation that you need more intensive care, they will formally admit you, converting you to inpatient status. This decision is based on your medical condition, treatment complexity, and estimated time to stabilize your diagnosis.
What if I disagree with my discharge or observation status?
While there is no formal appeal process for observation status or discharge decisions, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with your doctor or case manager. They can explain the reasoning behind your care plan. If you choose to stay beyond the point when your doctor determines you are medically ready for discharge, you may be responsible for the cost of your extended stay.