There is an increase in the numbers of observation claims denied post Blepharoplasty surgery by Medicare due to the noncompliance with Medicare observation rules. (Should be a minimum of 4 hours of recovery prior to Observation’ Order placed by Ophthalmologist).

What is a research proposal?
The purpose of a research proposal is to identify and formulate questions that arise from nursing practice and to design a research project to study the identified problem. The goal of a research proposal is to present and justify a research idea you have and to present the practical ways in which you think this research should be conducted. Research proposals contain extensive literature reviews and must provide persuasive evidence that there is a need for the proposed research study. In addition to providing a rationale for the proposed research, a proposal describes detailed methodology for conducting the research consistent with requirements of the professional or academic field and a statement on anticipated outcomes and/or benefits derived from the study.
Directions
Write a research proposal using your clinical question formulated earlier in the course that was approved by your instructor. This may be either a qualitative or quantitative research proposal. Your proposal must include APA formatting. The proposal should be a 7 in length plus appendices cover page, and reference page.

Topic should be used for Research Proposal

Problem:

There is an increase in the numbers of observation claims denied post Blepharoplasty surgery by Medicare due to the noncompliance with Medicare observation rules. (Should be a minimum of 4 hours of recovery prior to Observation’ Order placed by Ophthalmologist).

Research proposal:

Ophthalmologists at Bascom Palmer receiving additional information related to Medicare requirements about compliance with post-blepharoplasty observation rules will result in a reduction in the number of observation claims denied by Medicare.

Quantitative
P Population 50 Physicians (Ophthalmologists, at Bascom Palmer)
I Intervention (Independent Variable) Offering additional information related to Medicare requirements about compliance with post-blepharoplasty observation rules.
C Comparison (Independent Variable) N/A
O Outcome (Dependent Variable) Reduction in the number of observation claims denied by Medicare.

T Time Six months
Theoretical Framework General standing orders for observation services following all outpatient surgery are not recognized. Hospitals should not report as observation care, services that are part of another Part B service, such as postoperative monitoring during a standard recovery period (4 hours), which should be billed as recovery room services.
https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Downloads/clm104c04.pdf290.2.2
Observation Services Overview
Methodology Experimental: the experimental group (Ophthalmologists at Bascom Palmer) will receive seminars, webinars, and updated documentation with all Medicare requirements for compliance with observation post blepharoplasty surgery.
Method: Compliance Specialist Nurse will assess the numbers of observation claims denied by Medicare each month by each physician, through the MD Audit software.

Professor comments:
Approved:
Ophthalmologists at Bascom Palmer receiving additional information related to Medicare requirements about compliance with post-blepharoplasty observation rules will result in a reduction in the number of observation claims denied by Medicare.
Sounds like an interesting proposal. Please see the following comments to help you as you work on your final proposal.
For your “I”: You need to clearly define how you will provide and standardize the education to the ophthalmologists, when and how often. Would visual reminders on signs somewhere around this area also work?
For your “C”: You need to think about how you will compare the data to show a decrease—you need to measure the population BEFORE starting your independent variable to get baseline data; otherwise you cannot prove that there has been an improvement. Can you get this data from retrospective chart review for 6 months prior? Or will you have to delay introducing your independent variable to collect data based on your current practice?
For your “O”: How will you track, record, and compare your observations? How will you compare it to prior data and analyze for significant differences (which is part of your data analysis)?
Make sure you clearly identify your assumptions and theory in your paper. Check out http://www.nursing-theory.org/theories-and-models/for some potential theory ideas.
I look forward to reading your paper.

Introduction
• Clearly stated problem and purpose of the study
• Independent and dependent variables
• Definition of terms
• Assumptions, hypothesis, or questions (depending on research type)
Theoretical Framework
• Description of the theoretical framework to be utilized
• Identification of the concepts to be explored
• Rationale for choosing framework
Review of the literature
• At least four scholarly sources included
• Appropriateness of the review and the proposal focus
• Inclusion of primary or secondary sources
Methodology
• Description of study type (quantitative or qualitative)
• Description of study design
• Rationale for the use of the selected design
• Inclusion of sample size, type, sampling method, inclusion/exclusion criteria, setting, data collection method (instrument), and data collection process
• Method for Protection of Human Subjects (consent)
• Questionnaire and consent forms must be included as appendices
Data Analysis
• Data analysis method is appropriate for study design.
• Method of data analysis is clearly stated.
• Method for displaying findings is stated.
Applicability to Nursing
• Research focuses on a problem significant to nursing.
• Research would contribute to nursing knowledge.
• Proposal is complete so that another researcher could replicate the study.
• Statement about areas of nursing that would benefit from this study.