Can NH make the kids pay if they inquire about Mom's care?

In some cases the visiting doctor may only rely on the nurses notes to prescribe care. Happened to my wife while in the hospital and he billed medicare for it.
But while in rehab the doctor actually came into the room and even talked with me about her care.

Jazz, just curious where you are getting this information? By chance is Mom passing on this information? If so, being so close to having what sounds like major surgery, Mom may still be in a fog as it does take awhile for one's brain to clear up.

Why I ask who is telling you this information is because what you write that is happening makes no sense at all. Nursing Homes/Rehab centers all have their own visiting physician or in-house physician. That doctor could have seen your Mom numerous times without your Mom realizing who he/she is the facility doctor.

You need boots on the ground and a friendly chat with the Head Nurse to get accurate information.

She is on Medicare and they have applied for Medicaid. She signed herself in. We have signed nothing. Would love to just pop over for a visit, but being 3000 miles away makes it tough to do. Planning on going down for Easter. Is it normal not to see a doctor and have the staples removed after 2 weeks?

Who signed your mother into the nursing home. Unless you signed something about being responsible for her nursing home bills being paid, they can't bill you just for asking questions. Is she on medicare or medicaid? People often get these two confused. Medicare will only pay for a brief time in a nursing home for rehab after being in the hospital for several days. Medicaid pays for the nursing home because the person lacks the money for it.

It sounds to me that you need to do far more than call with your questions, but actually go there and see what is going on for yourselves.