My hospital stay question list
Check what applies to you. Print the list or keep it on your phone and ask the nurse, doctor or case manager. Nothing you check leaves this page.
Common questions
Can I ask whether I am an inpatient or under observation?
Yes. You or your family can ask the nurse, the doctor or the case manager at any time: am I admitted as an inpatient, or am I under observation? Your status can change during a stay, so ask again each day.
What is the MOON notice?
Medicare requires hospitals to give a Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice, called the MOON, to patients who have been under observation for more than 24 hours. It explains that you are an outpatient and how that can change what you pay. Ask for it if you did not get one.
Does observation status affect rehab or a nursing home stay?
It can. Under traditional Medicare, observation days do not count toward the 3 inpatient days usually needed for Medicare to cover a skilled nursing facility stay. Medicare Advantage plans can have different rules. Ask before you leave the hospital.
Who at the hospital can answer these questions?
The case manager or hospital social worker is usually the best person. For Medicare questions you can also call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Can I print this list?
Yes. Use your browser's print button or save it as a PDF and bring it to the bedside. Nothing you do on this page is saved or sent.
Written and medically reviewed by Harvey Castro, MD, MBA, board-certified emergency physician. Last reviewed October 25, 2026.