Many of you may know the answer to this question from experience, but for those of you who do not: 'observation status' is different from an 'inpatient' hospital stay. These different categories of care feel the same to the patient who is in a hospital room being treated by hospital staff, receiving tests and drugs, and staying overnight – perhaps several nights. But, when it comes to billing and after-care, the distinction is important if you are on Medicare for several reasons:  

If you have finally convinced your parents to come with you to meet an attorney and get their ‘affairs in order’, congratulations! In most cases, an attorney can help anyone establish a plan to prepare for common expenses like long-term health care and to transfer their assets quickly and cheaply when they die. It’s what you want for your parents.