Script for Admission

All Medicare inpatients must receive and sign the Important Message from Medicare at admission. If Medicare is the direct payor (primary, secondary, or tertiary), or the patient is a member of a Medicare Managed Care plan, the "Important Message From Medicare" is a requirement.

This form must be explained to the patient or their representative, and is then signed by them.

To explain:

1. This is a letter from Medicare that explains your rights as a patient. You have the right to:

• Receive Medicare covered services while you're here and after you are discharged if they are ordered by your doctor.
• Be involved in decisions about your hospital stay, and know who will pay for it.
• Report concerns you have about your hospital care to Qualis Health, a Quality Improvement Organization hired by Medicare.

2. If/when you are here as an inpatient, hospital staff will work with you to make sure that you have a plan for discharge that meets your medical needs, and assist in making arrangements for services you may need after you are discharged.

3. When you no longer need inpatient care we will discuss discharge planning with you, and let you know about your anticipated discharge date. At that time, you will be asked to again sign a copy of the "Important Notice From Medicare" to indicate your receipt and understanding of your rights to discuss and/or appeal the discharge decision.

4. If you think you are being discharged too soon, you can talk to the hospital staff, your doctor, or your managed care plan (Medicare HMO) about your concerns.

5. You also have the right to ask Qualis Health to review your case and decide if you are ready to leave the hospital.

6. If you want to appeal you must call Qualis Health no later than the planned discharge date and before you leave the hospital. There are step-by-step instructions for appealing on the back of the "Important Message from Medicare" form.