Q. My father was in the hospital last month due to a fall in the stairwell at my parent’s split-level home. My mother wasn't able to lift him herself, so the ambulance came to assist her. They thought he seemed weak and out of sorts, so they insisted on bringing him to the hospital to test him for a UTI, among other things. When they found nothing other than the Parkinson's he has had for over 20 years, they kept him in the hospital for two nights anyway.

When my mom told me what happened, I remembered something I read in one of your newsletter articles about “observation status” and Medicare not paying for hospital stays that were considered to be observation care only. I called my mom to inquire about whether the hospital told her if my father was admitted or in observation status. I knew that if he was in observation status, she could be facing a several thousand dollar bill.

My mom said that they didn't mention anything to her about his status, and that she would ask. Once she asked, observation status was mentioned. She was relieved that she was only asked to pay the copay upon discharge, but was not completely surprised, but still quite upset, when she received a hefty bill in the mail shortly after the stay.

Aren’t people supposed to be told whether their loved one is in observation status on being admitted, without even asking? If she didn't know from me to ask, she wouldn't have asked and would’ve been completely shocked by the bill. Also, what if dad needed short-term rehabilitation in a nursing home after his visit? Would Medicare have covered THAT if he was in observation status in the hospital beforehand? Thanks for your help!