What is the status of patients for whom extended authorizations are typically needed?

The correct choice highlights that extended authorizations are often needed for patients who have been admitted and are nearing the end of their authorized stay. In healthcare, insurance typically grants a specific number of days for a patient to remain in a facility based on the initial assessment of their condition. As patients approach the end of this authorized period, healthcare providers may determine that additional time is necessary for recovery, continued treatment, or to make discharge plans.

This scenario requires an extended authorization because the healthcare provider must justify the need for additional services or a longer stay to the insurance company. This process ensures that the patient's ongoing care aligns with medical necessity guidelines set by the insurer.

In contrast, the other options focus on situations where extended authorizations are less relevant. Discharged patients have completed their treatment, newly referred patients may not yet require additional stay authorizations, and patients waiting for surgery typically do not need extended inpatient authorizations since they are not currently admitted for treatment. Therefore, the context of needing extended authorizations ties directly to those already admitted who require additional time to support their care continuity.