Observation Medicine: Principles and Protocols

Using comprehensive sample administrative and clinical protocols, this fully updated and practical second edition guide to observation medicine (OM) provides a detailed account of how to establish and run an observation unit (OU) and reviews medical/surgical/obstetrical-gynecologic/psychiatric/social conditions in which OM may be applicable. The book covers clinical topics including improving patient outcomes, avoiding readmissions, and using OM in a pandemic or disaster. Practical topics on design, staffing, and daily operations; fiscal and business aspects, such as coding, billing, and reimbursement; regulatory concerns such as aligning case management and utilization review with observation; nursing considerations are all present. The new edition features many new chapters and topics ranging from the geriatric OU, psychiatric observation, telemedicine in OM, to the cancer patient in the OU. Applicable to an international audience, it offers instructions for implementing observation in any setting or locale and in any type of hospital or other appropriate facility.