Question
My dad is in a hospital in a small town. He will be out of Medicare days tomorrow and the hospital is planning on returning him to the nursing home on Saturday. We've been told that there is 48 hours to appeal this decision. There is only one nursing home in the small town - and they are not equipped to take care of him - as he just had a stroke and the hospital is using a lift to get him in and out of bed. If we only have 48 hours to appeal this - how and where do we do this? Will they count the weekend - since there won't be anyone available to speak to us. Please let me know asap. We're not sure where to turn. Thanks in advance. Denise
Answer
Hi Denise
The hospital is required to issue a packet of instructions to the patient when they are admitted to the hospital. The appeal information is in there with the time limits and the phone number, Unfortunately, because of the stress and rush to get the patient treated, this information is usually not read.
The hospital has to have a discharge supervisor. That person also has this information for your area. Look that person up and get the information you need.
John
