Observation Stay
Medicare Glossary
When you are in a hospital bed receiving care, but you have not been formally admitted as an inpatient. Observation stays are classified as outpatient services, which affects your costs and may impact your eligibility for Medicare-covered skilled nursing facility care afterward.
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This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation of any specific Medicare plan. Benefits, costs, and availability vary by plan and location. For complete information about your Medicare options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY: 1-877-486-2048, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.