Medicare HOPD patients more likely to be sicker, low-income

Medicare patients treated in hospital outpatient departments have more chronic conditions and are poorer than Medicare patients treated in independent physician offices, according to an American Hospital Association study.

Advertisement

Medicare patients, including those with cancer, that seek care in HOPDs tend to be:

  • From lower-income areas
  • Under 65 years old
  • Sicker
  • Previously hospitalized or cared for in an emergency department
  • Eligible for Medicare and Medicaid

AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack said, “The needs of the patients hospital outpatient departments care for each day are different from those who choose to be seen at an independent physician office. Proposals that treat them the same ignore the very different clinical and regulatory demands hospitals face and could threaten access to care.”

More articles on coding, billing and collections: 
Light fixture falls on patient at North Carolina ASC
3 things to know about CMS’ plan to pay more for Exparel in ASCs than hospitals
3 facts to know on hand surgery in ASCs

Advertisement

Next Up in ASC Coding, Billing & Collections

Advertisement

Comments are closed.