Researchers examined data on 19.9 million adult hospital admissions between January 2014 and November 2014, more than 298,000 of which ended with patients leaving against medical advice.
The 30-day readmission rate for this patient group was 21 percent, compared to 11 percent for patients discharged normally.
Readmissions after a discharge against medical advice accounted for more than 400,000 hospitalization days over the study period, which cost the U.S. healthcare system more than $800 million, the researchers found.
To view the full study, click here.
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