The cross-sectional cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries included patients undergoing colectomy (189,229 patients), coronary artery bypass grafting (218,940 patients) or total hip replacement (231,774 patients). The study period extended from Jan. 1, 2009, to June 30, 2012.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
Here are four insights:
1. Total surgical episode spending among patients with high risk of postoperative complication were lower at hospitals with shorter lengths of stay. For example, total cost of total hip replacements at short LOS hospitals was $26,482 for high-risk patients as compared to $29,250 at long LOS hospitals.
2. Shortest LOS hospitals did not show an increase in payments for postdischarge care use:
• Colectomy: $4,011 for low LOS hospitals versus $5,083 at high LOS hospitals
• Coronary artery bypass grafting: $6,015 versus $6,355
• Total hip replacement: $7,132 versus $9,552
3. Additionally, short LOS hospitals did not show an increase in payments for readmissions.
4. The study authors note that there is no evidence showing that cost savings from shorter LOS are offset by higher postdischarge care spending.
More articles on healthcare quality:
Experts: Very low-volume surgeons still ‘concerning’ for patient safety
Minnesota measles outbreak spreads to 4th county; 60 now infected
Chance of heart attack jumps 17-fold after respiratory infections, study finds
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.