Physician Observation Services

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services define Observation Services as those services furnished by a hospital on its premises, including the use of a bed and at least periodic monitoring by a hospital's nursing or other staff, which are reasonable and necessary to evaluate an outpatient's condition or determine the need for a possible inpatient admission.

The following reference documents are posted here for your convenience. Download these documents to view them.

Medicare Observation Tip Sheet: Physician Guidelines

Observation Status Physician Quick Reference

QI Medicare Observation Hospital Physician Quick Reference Guide