Fewer Medicare Patients Being 'Admitted' to Hospitals

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My mother in law was recently held for observation longer than 72 hrs. She lives in an independent living facility and was found breathing inconsistantly and nonresponsive. She was alert and oriented when she arrived at the hospital ; however she was held for observation for further tests.
Th hospital found nothing wrong with Selma; but responded to our request for a Gastroenterologist see her. The Gastroenterologist stretched her esophagus and requested a mechanically ground diet and that she could obtain physical therapy on an out patient basis in her independent living setting. The facility she lives in is not licensed to provide mechanically altered diets so she cannot go back to her home and ofcourse cannot go to a rehabilitation facility. Our family is forced to take this 90 yr. old woman in; and we cannot give her a bath; or provide her with physical support due to our physical limitations. This "trip to the hospital " has been exhausting for all of the family. What is up with not admitting patients when they need tests or surgical procedures?

marcie nanney of NC 2:26PM December 05, 2012

If you think healthcare is expensive now --- wait till it's free!!!!!
(Except for presidents, senators and congressmen.)

jjjjjjj of NJ 1:26PM June 06, 2012

It is easy to forget that most hospitals are not-for-profit and strive to provide good care while being able to keep afloat financially, which includes the costs of staff to provide that care, not to mention the excess expenses of maintenance and replacing equipment which outdates very quickly. Medicare does it's best to pay for the least amount possible, while imposing rules that are near impossible to keep up with. Hospitals have to somehow stay between the lines of providing good care while playing with medicare's rules in order to maximize reimbursement to stay afloat and unfortunately, it isalmost always the patient that ends up losing in the end.

J of MN 2:22PM June 05, 2012

I am a new Medicare recipient, live on a fixed budget, and hope this does not turn out to be a nightmare! When people need to go to the hospital, it is sad that what they must focus on, oh no, what is this gonna cost me? And I am not happy with Drs. going along with this. We get the brunt of everything. I hope this does not continue.

Susan of GA 1:53PM June 05, 2012