Definition
A hospital classification where you are technically an outpatient even though you occupy a hospital bed. This distinction significantly affects costs — under observation status, Medicare Part B (not Part A) applies, and skilled nursing facility coverage may not kick in afterward. Always ask your hospital whether you are admitted or under observation.
Related Terms
- CPT Code
Current Procedural Terminology code — a standardized 5-digit numeric code used t...
- ICD-10 Code
International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision — a standardized code sy...
- Allowed Amount
The maximum amount your insurance plan will pay for a covered service, based on ...
- Balance Billing
When an out-of-network provider bills you for the difference between their bille...
- Chargemaster
A hospital's comprehensive list of prices for every item and service, from aspir...
Understanding healthcare terminology helps you communicate more effectively with providers and make informed decisions about your care. Use our procedure cost database to find fair prices for any medical service.