IMs, HINNs: more than just a chore.
The Important Message from Medicare (IM), advising patients of their right to appeal their discharge, should be issued correctly or your hospital could be fined or lose the ability to receive reimbursement from Medicare. IMs should be given as close as possible to admission but no later than two days after admission. If patients remain in the hospital for two additional days, they must receive a second copy. Use the IM as an opportunity to discuss the discharge process with patients and families and to alert them to the expected discharge date. When patients appeal, drill down and determine the reason they appealed and use your finding to improve your discharge process.
D014487:Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. / Q000592:standards*; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D005375:Financial Audit; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage / Q000592:standards; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement / Q000592:standards*; D010350:Patient Credit and Collection / Q000592:standards*; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000592:standards*; D028701:Patient Rights / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States