CMS Transmittal R13832CP: July 2026 Update of the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS)
Policy CMS-T-R13832CP • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
CriticalThe July 2026 Update of the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) affects billing practices by updating payment rates and possibly introducing new service codes. Billing teams must rev
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals (IPPS) and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Rates; Requirements for Quality Programs; and Other Policy Changes; Correction
Policy FR-2026-07470 • Inpatient (IPPS)
RoutineThe correction of a typographical error in the Medicare proposed rule could have minimal impact on billing and reimbursement processes for hospitals. However, providers should stay informed about any
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program; Changes to the Fiscal Year 2025 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Rates Due to Court Decision
Policy FR-2024-22765 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighThe recent court decision has led to significant revisions in the Medicare wage index values for FY 2025, which will impact inpatient hospital reimbursement rates. Hospitals, especially low wage ones,
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2024 Rates; Quality Programs and Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program Requirements for Eligible Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals; Rural Emergency Hospital and Physician-Owned Hospital Requirements; and Provider and Supplier Disclosure of Ownership; and Medicare Disproporti
Policy FR-2023-24670 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighThe recent correction in the final rule for the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) may affect reimbursement rates for acute care and long-term care hospitals. These adjustments, alo
Federal Register Notice: Medicare Program; CY 2026 Inpatient Hospital Deductible and Hospital and Extended Care Services Coinsurance Amounts
Policy FR-2025-20249 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighThe announcement of the inpatient hospital deductible and coinsurance amounts for CY 2026 will directly impact hospital billing processes and patient reimbursement calculations under Medicare Part A.
Federal Register Notice: Medicare Program; CY 2025 Inpatient Hospital Deductible and Hospital and Extended Care Services Coinsurance Amounts
Policy FR-2024-26472 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighThe updated inpatient hospital deductible for CY 2025 will be set at $1,676, which may impact hospital revenue cycles and patient billing. Daily coinsurance rates for inpatient and skilled nursing ser
Federal Register Notice: Medicare Program; CY 2024 Inpatient Hospital Deductible and Hospital and Extended Care Services Coinsurance Amounts
Policy FR-2023-22850 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighStarting January 1, 2024, the inpatient hospital deductible will increase to $1,632, impacting hospital reimbursement rates. Additionally, the updated coinsurance rates will apply for extended care se
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program; Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs; Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating; Hospital Price Transparency; and Notice of Closure of a Teaching Hospital and Opportunity To Apply for Available Slots; Correction
Policy FR-2026-03578 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
HighThis correction to the CY 2026 OPPS/ASC final rule addresses technical errors, which may affect the accuracy of reimbursement amounts for outpatient services and surgical centers. Accurate coding and
Federal Register Notice: Medicare Program; Announcement of the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment Meeting-August 25, 2025
Policy FR-2025-13428 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
HighThe upcoming Advisory Panel meeting may lead to adjustments in payment classifications for outpatient services, impacting reimbursement rates under the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs, Including the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program; Health and Safety Standards for Obstetrical Services in Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals; Prior Authorization; Requests for Information; Medicaid and CHIP Continuous Eligibility; Medicaid Clinic Services Four Walls Exceptions; Individuals Currently or Form
Policy FR-2025-00081 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
HighThe recent correction to the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System reaffirms reimbursement protocols that impact outpatient services and ambulatory surgical centers. Stakeholders must be awar
Federal Register Notice: Medicare Program; Announcement of the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment Meeting-August 26-27, 2024
Policy FR-2024-15393 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
HighThe upcoming Advisory Panel meeting will influence the clinical integrity of payment classifications vital to the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS). Adjustments and recommendations
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System: Remedy for the 340B-Acquired Drug Payment Policy for Calendar Years 2018-2022; Extension of Comment Period
Policy FR-2023-19070 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
RoutineThe proposed rule regarding the 340B-acquired drug payment policy could significantly impact reimbursement rates for outpatient services related to such drugs. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide c
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems and Quality Reporting Programs; Organ Acquisition; Rural Emergency Hospitals: Payment Policies, Conditions of Participation, Provider Enrollment, Physician Self-Referral; New Service Category for Hospital Outpatient Department Prior Authorization Process; Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating; COVID-19
Policy FR-C2-2022-23918 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
RoutineThe new Medicare program rule could significantly impact reimbursement rates for hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgical centers. With proposed changes to quality reporting and service
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems and Quality Reporting Programs; Organ Acquisition; Rural Emergency Hospitals: Payment Policies, Conditions of Participation, Provider Enrollment, Physician Self-Referral; New Service Category for Hospital Outpatient Department Prior Authorization Process; Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating; COVID-19
Policy FR-C1-2022-23918 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
RoutineThe recent updates in the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System emphasize new payment policies and conditions of participation for services offered by rural emergency hospitals. This will imp
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs; Payment for Intensive Outpatient Services in Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and Opioid Treatment Programs; Hospital Price Transparency; Changes to Community Mental Health Centers Conditions of Participation, Proposed Changes to the Inpatient Prospective Payment System Medicare Code Editor; Rural Emergency
Policy FR-C1-2023-14768 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
RoutineThe proposed changes to the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System could significantly affect reimbursement strategies for outpatient services, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, updat
Federal Register Notice: Medicare Program; Announcement of the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment Meeting-August 21-22, 2023-and New Panel Members
Policy FR-2023-15254 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
HighThe Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment meeting will influence Medicare's OPPS and associated weights for Ambulatory Payment Classification groups. Changes in these classifications can signi
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare Program; Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System: Remedy for the 340B-Acquired Drug Payment Policy for Calendar Years 2018-2022
Policy FR-C1-2023-14623 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
RoutineThe proposed rule addresses adjustments to the 340B-acquired drug payment policy, which may significantly impact reimbursement for hospital outpatient services. This change could lead to improved fina
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems and Quality Reporting Programs; Organ Acquisition; Rural Emergency Hospitals: Payment Policies, Conditions of Participation, Provider Enrollment, Physician Self-Referral; New Service Category for Hospital Outpatient Department Prior Authorization Process; Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating; COVID-19; Correction
Policy FR-2022-28517 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
HighThe correction of technical errors in the Hospital Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgical Center payment systems ensures clarity in billing and reimbursement practices, potentially enhancing compliance an
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare and Medicaid Programs and the Children's Health Insurance Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2025 Rates; Quality Programs Requirements; and Other Policy Changes; Correction
Policy FR-2024-12164 • Inpatient (IPPS)
RoutineThe proposed rule correction addresses technical errors impacting billing clarity for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement processes, particularly pertaining to the Inpatient Prospective Payment System
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare Program; FY 2027 Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities Prospective Payment System-Rate Update
Policy FR-2026-06675 • Inpatient (IPPS)
RoutineThe proposed changes to the inpatient psychiatric facilities payment system will impact the reimbursement rates, potentially increasing revenue for psychiatric services. Additionally, updates to the o
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare Program; Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System for Federal Fiscal Year 2027 and Updates to the IRF Quality Reporting Program
Policy FR-2026-06642 • Inpatient (IPPS)
RoutineThe proposed updates to the IRF prospective payment system for FY 2027 will directly impact reimbursement rates and compliance requirements for inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Key changes include
Federal Register Notice: Medicare Program; Town Hall Meeting on the Fiscal Year 2027 Applications for New Technology Add-On Payments
Policy FR-2025-17401 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighThe upcoming town hall meeting presents a critical opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the implications of new technology add-on payments under the IPPS. The outcomes of this meeting could signifi
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare Program; Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System for Federal Fiscal Year 2026 and Updates to the IRF Quality Reporting Program
Policy FR-2025-06336 • Inpatient (IPPS)
RoutineThe proposed update to the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility prospective payment system for FY 2026 may lead to significant changes in reimbursement rates, affecting how IRFs manage their billing prac
Federal Register Notice: Medicare Program; Town Hall Meeting on the Fiscal Year 2026 Applications for New Medical Services and Technologies Add-On Payments
Policy FR-2024-20791 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighThe announcement of a town hall meeting regarding the FY 2026 applications for new medical services and technologies under IPPS may influence reimbursement rates as hospitals seek to incorporate these
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare Program; Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System for Federal Fiscal Year 2025 and Updates to the IRF Quality Reporting Program
Policy FR-2024-06550 • Inpatient (IPPS)
RoutineThe proposed updates to the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) payment system for FY 2025 may significantly impact billing and reimbursement for IRFs. Changes in case-mix group classifications, w
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs; Payment for Intensive Outpatient Services in Hospital Outpatient Departments, Community Mental Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and Opioid Treatment Programs; Hospital Price Transparency; Changes to Community Mental Health Centers Conditions of Participation, Changes to the Inpatient Prospective
Policy FR-2024-02631 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
HighThe recent correction in the Hospital Outpatient Payment System may affect reimbursement rates for outpatient services and intensive outpatient programs. It is essential for providers to stay updated
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2024 Rates; Quality Programs and Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program Requirements for Eligible Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals; Rural Emergency Hospital and Physician-Owned Hospital Requirements; and Provider and Supplier Disclosure of Ownership; and Medicare Disproporti
Policy FR-2023-22060 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighThe recent corrections to the FY 2024 IPPS/LTCH PPS final rule ensure accurate implementation of payment systems, which may affect reimbursement rates for acute care hospitals and long-term care facil
Federal Register Notice: Medicare Program; Town Hall Meeting on the Fiscal Year 2025 Applications for New Medical Services and Technologies Add-On Payments
Policy FR-2023-21186 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighThe town hall meeting provides an opportunity for stakeholders to influence the FY 2025 add-on payments under IPPS. Engaging in this dialogue can impact reimbursement rates for new medical services an
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals (IPPS) and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Rates; Requirements for Quality Programs; and Other Policy Changes
Policy FR-2026-07203 • Inpatient (IPPS)
RoutineThe proposed rule aims to revise payment rates and policies for acute care hospitals and long-term care hospitals, which could significantly impact reimbursement structures for inpatient services. Cha
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare Program; Ensuring Safety Through Domestic Security With Made in America Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Essential Medicine Procurement by Medicare Participating Hospitals
Policy FR-2026-01730 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
RoutineThe proposed rule aims to boost the procurement of American-made PPE and essential medicines in Medicare participating hospitals, potentially leading to reimbursement adjustments that reflect the incr
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs; Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating; Hospital Price Transparency; and Notice of Closure of a Teaching Hospital and Opportunity To Apply for Available Slots
Policy FR-2025-20907 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
HighThe upcoming changes to the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center payment systems for 2026 may significantly affect reimbursement rates for various outpa
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program; Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System for Federal Fiscal Year 2026 and Updates to the IRF Quality Reporting Program
Policy FR-2025-14780 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighThe final rule for the FY 2026 Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System introduces updated payment rates that may affect reimbursement levels for rehabilitation services. The conti
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals (IPPS) and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Rates; Changes to the FY 2025 IPPS Rates Due to Court Decision; Requirements for Quality Programs; and Other Policy Changes; Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Electronic Prescribing, Real-Time Prescription Benefit and Electronic Prior Authorization
Policy FR-2025-14681 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighThe final rule for FY 2026 updates the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System, impacting reimbursement rates for acute care and long-term care hospitals. With revisions due to legal decisions a
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs; Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings; and Hospital Price Transparency
Policy FR-2025-13360 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
RoutineThe proposed rule aims to revise the OPPS and ASC payment systems for 2026, which will potentially affect reimbursement rates for hospital outpatient services. Additionally, updates to quality reporti
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2026 Rates; Requirements for Quality Programs; and Other Policy Changes
Policy FR-2025-06271 • Inpatient (IPPS)
RoutineThe proposed rule outlines significant updates to the Medicare inpatient prospective payment systems, which will directly impact the reimbursement rates for acute care hospitals and long-term care hos
Federal Register Notice: Medicare Program; Rural Community Hospital Disemonstration Program: Solicitation of Additional Participants
Policy FR-2024-30719 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
HighThe solicitation for additional participants in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program may affect reimbursement structures for facilities participating in rural healthcare services. Enhanc
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs, Including the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program; Health and Safety Standards for Obstetrical Services in Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals; Prior Authorization; Requests for Information; Medicaid and CHIP Continuous Eligibility; Medicaid Clinic Services Four Walls Exceptions; Individuals Currently or Form
Policy FR-2024-25521 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
HighThe upcoming changes to the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) payment system are poised to affect reimbursement rates significantly. P
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program: Appeal Rights for Certain Changes in Patient Status
Policy FR-2024-23195 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighThe implementation of an appeals process for Medicare beneficiaries reclassified from inpatient to outpatient status may lead to increased administrative burdens for providers who must navigate new bi
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare and Medicaid Programs and the Children's Health Insurance Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2025 Rates; Quality Programs Requirements; and Other Policy Changes; Correction
Policy FR-2024-22501 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighThe correction to the FY 2025 IPPS/LTCH PPS final rule will have minimal impact on billing and reimbursement as it primarily addresses technical and typographical errors. Providers should remain aware
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare and Medicaid Programs and the Children's Health Insurance Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2025 Rates; Quality Programs Requirements; and Other Policy Changes
Policy FR-2024-17021 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighThe new rule introduces revisions to the Medicare inpatient prospective payment systems, directly impacting reimbursement rates for acute care hospitals. Updates to payment policies for long-term care
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program; FY 2025 Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities Prospective Payment System-Rate Update
Policy FR-2024-16909 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighThe recent updates to the Medicare payment rates for inpatient psychiatric facilities will affect reimbursement levels for fiscal year 2025. Facilities will need to adjust their billing practices due
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program; Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System for Federal Fiscal Year 2025 and Updates to the IRF Quality Reporting Program
Policy FR-2024-16911 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighThe updated prospective payment rates for inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) will impact reimbursement starting October 1, 2024. Key changes include the case-mix group adjustments and shifts i
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs, Including the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program; Health and Safety Standards for Obstetrical Services in Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals; Prior Authorization; Requests for Information; Medicaid and CHIP Continuous Eligibility; Medicaid Clinic Services Four Walls Exceptions; Individuals Currently or F
Policy FR-2024-15087 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
RoutineThe proposed rule seeks to update the OPPS and ASC payment systems for 2025, which may impact hospital reimbursement rates based on quality metrics. Adjustments in payment rates and reporting requirem
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare and Medicaid Programs and the Children's Health Insurance Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2025 Rates; Quality Programs Requirements; and Other Policy Changes
Policy FR-2024-07567 • Inpatient (IPPS)
RoutineThe proposed rule aims to revise payment systems for acute care hospitals, impacting the reimbursement strategies for both Medicare and long-term care hospitals. It emphasizes adjustments in operating
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare Program; FY 2025 Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities Prospective Payment System-Rate Update
Policy FR-2024-06764 • Inpatient (IPPS)
RoutineThe proposed updates to the Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities Prospective Payment System for FY 2025 may lead to adjustments in reimbursement rates, outlier thresholds, and wage indexes for services. T
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicaid Program; Disproportionate Share Hospital Third-Party Payer Rule
Policy FR-2024-03542 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
HighThe new Medicaid DSH rule provides clarity for States and hospitals regarding the calculation of the hospital-specific limit on DSH payments. This improvement in administrative efficiency may impact r
Federal Register Proposed Rule: Medicare Program: Appeal Rights for Certain Changes in Patient Status
Policy FR-2023-28152 • Inpatient (IPPS)
RoutineThe proposed rule aims to enhance appeal rights for Medicare beneficiaries reclassified from inpatient to outpatient status during their hospital stay. If implemented, it may lead to increased scrutin
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs; Payment for Intensive Outpatient Services in Hospital Outpatient Departments, Community Mental Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and Opioid Treatment Programs; Hospital Price Transparency; Changes to Community Mental Health Centers Conditions of Participation, Changes to the Inpatient Prospective
Policy FR-2023-24293 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
HighThe recent updates to the OPPS and ASC payment systems will impact reimbursement rates for outpatient services in 2024. Providers should be prepared for adjustments in payment amounts, particularly fo
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program; Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System: Remedy for the 340B-Acquired Drug Payment Policy for Calendar Years 2018-2022
Policy FR-2023-24407 • Hospital Outpatient (OPPS)
HighThe final rule implements adjustments to Medicare payment rates for drugs purchased under the 340B Program, directly impacting reimbursement for outpatient hospital services from 2018 to 2022. This ch
Federal Register Final Rule: Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2024 Rates; Quality Programs and Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program Requirements for Eligible Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals; Rural Emergency Hospital and Physician-Owned Hospital Requirements; and Provider and Supplier Disclosure of Ownership; and Medicare Disproporti
Policy FR-2023-16252 • Inpatient (IPPS)
HighThe new Medicare rule establishes updated payment structures for hospital inpatient care, impacting reimbursement rates for acute care and long-term care hospitals. Changes in the calculation of days