Since 2014, Medicare has payed for inpatient services for Medicare patients who’s admitting physician noted that hospital stay required at least 48 hours (measured as 2 midnights) or required specialty care that could not be performed as an out patient. This rule now will apply to Medicare Advantage insurance patients as well. Physicians will need to document their reasoning why a patient’s stay will likely require two midnights.
References
The 2-midnight rule and Medicare Advantage: 6 things to know
Jakob Emerson - Updated Friday, December 29th, 2023 Becker’s Payer Issues
