Observation Status

What It Means for You

Observation is used when a patient needs treatment or monitoring before the doctor can decide on admission or discharge. It provides a method of billing for any health care services provided.

Observation status usually happens when a patient is admitted from the ER or if the patient has a complication after outpatient surgery. Reasons for observation may include vomiting, weakness, headache, stomach pain, fever, some breathing problems and chest pains.

Different insurance companies have different amounts of time that cover Observation status, but a normal stay in Observation status is up to 48 hours.