Hospital Inpatient Rate Increases while patient admitted

[MRKOCUREK]

Its that time of year again. We are at our fiscal year and time to make our rate increases. One challenge. If a patient is here during that time, can we charge this inpatient per this hypothetical example;

Day 1 – 2 R&B – $1316.00 – Last 2 days of September.
Day 3-7 – R&B – $1381.80 – 5% Increase went into effect 10/01/09. patient was discharged Oct. 5.

If you have guideline I can quote from, this would be helpful. I know Medicare doesn’t usually issue pricing strategies, but maybe there is some guidance out there.