According to the report, state officials hope the plan will spur hospitals to improve the coordination of care for patients 30 days after discharge. State Medicaid officials estimate the plan will save $5.2 million in the upcoming fiscal year, as reimbursement rates for the 24 hospitals will be reduced by 2.2 percent. The 24 hospitals identified had “higher-than-average” and “potentially preventable” readmissions, which were based on 2009 hospital data.
The Massachusetts Hospital Association sent a letter to the state Medicaid director, saying the plan was unfair and that there are some readmissions hospitals cannot control, such as when patients do not take medications or check in for follow-up care.
Related Articles on Hospital Readmission Rates:
Up to 35 Physicians, St. Mary Mercy in Michigan Partner in Readmission Pilot
10 Proven Ways to Reduce Hospital Readmissions
AHA: Linkage Between Readmissions and Quality Complex
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