The voluntary program, which starts as early as next year, would basically cap payments for inpatient care over three years. Hospitals would realize substantial savings if they reduced readmissions and lose money if readmissions rose.
To meet the goal, participating hospitals would work with doctors and other providers in the community to ensure that patients get the necessary care, preferably in lower-cost settings.
The commission is able to create the program because Maryland is the only state where regulators set hospital payments. The state is also negotiating contracts for a similar program for smaller, more rural hospitals that are the sole providers in their regions.
Read the Kaiser Health News report on the Maryland payment program.
Read more coverage about readmissions:
– Hospital in Minnesota Cuts Readmission Rate by 44% With Pilot Program
– CMS to Hold Meeting on Joining $500M Readmissions Pilot Program
– Hospitals’ Key to Success Post-Reform: Managing Care to Reduce Readmissions
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