Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) Practice Exam

What does an unscheduled "direct" admission represent?

1. A patient admitted from a physician's office on an urgent basis

2. A patient who collapses in the hospital lobby

3. A patient arriving for treatment via ambulance to the emergency room

4. A patient arriving via medical helicopter for trauma services

The correct answer is: A patient admitted from a physician's office on an urgent basis

An unscheduled "direct" admission refers to a situation where a patient is admitted to a healthcare facility without prior scheduling or appointment, often due to an urgent or immediate medical need that cannot wait for a typical admission process. In this context, the most fitting scenario is when a patient is admitted from a physician's office on an urgent basis. This implies that a physician recognizes the immediate need for inpatient care and directs the patient to the hospital for admission without going through the emergency room or any other preliminary step. This process allows for quicker treatment and intervention for patients who may be experiencing acute illness or deterioration (for instance, someone who has been seen in a physician’s office and requires more intense resources than can be provided in that setting). While the other scenarios involve urgent admissions, they typically take place through different pathways. For example, a patient who collapses in the hospital lobby and those arriving via ambulance or helicopter may initially go through emergency services before any formal admission occurs. These admissions are categorized as emergency admissions rather than direct admissions from a physician's office. Therefore, the scenario involving a direct admission from a physician's office best illustrates the definition of an unscheduled "direct" admission.