HOSPITAL DISCHARGE APPEALS

If you are told that you will be discharged from the hospital and feel you are not ready to go home, you have the right to appeal the discharge. If your discharge instructions are not clear (whether you’re going to another health care facility or will continue therapy at home), you have the right to appeal. Within 48 hours of admission to the hospital, you should receive a form called “An Important Message from Medicare.” This form outlines steps you can take to appeal an early hospital discharge.

Who can request an appeal?

Any Medicare patient or his/her designated representative (such as a spouse or caregiver) can request an appeal.

 

How do I file a hospital discharge appeal?

To file an appeal the hospital should provide you with a copy of “An Important Message from Medicare.”. The notice should be given no more than two days before discharge and no less than at least four hours before discharge. The notice outlines steps to take to appeal an early discharge. Once you receive the notice, call MPRO by midnight of the next business day at 1-800-365-5899.

 

How long does the appeal take?

Appeals are generally resolved within two or three days. The appeals process is free. In addition, the hospital may not discharge you until the apeal is completed or you decide you are ready to leave.

 

How am I notified about the outcome of the appeal?

MPRO will contact you or your designated representative. The hospital, the physician, and the health plan if aplicable.

 

Do I contact MPRO to file a hospital discharge appeal if I’m hospitalized outside of Michigan?

No, you would contact the Medicare-designated Quality Improvement Organization in that state. The hospital you are in will provide you with "An Important Message from Medicare", which includes the information for filling an apeal in that state.