Observation Medicine : Principles and Protocols

A comprehensive new edition covering successful practices in observation medicine, with new chapters explaining how to deliver the latest cutting-edge medical care in a cost-effective manner that is patient/family centered and benefits the provider, hospitals and healthcare systems. For all healthcare professionals working in an acute setting.

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.