For the study, researchers examined hospital discharge records for nearly 7 million Medicare patients treated at 910 hospitals located across Arizona, California, Florida and New York. Researchers focused their analysis on three conditions: acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and pneumonia.
Robust statistical analysis revealed limited variation between hospitals regarding 30-day readmissions across all conditions with variations ranging from 0.8 percent for surgery to 1.1 percent for pneumonia. The analysis also displayed higher variations (3.2 percent readmission variation for pneumonia patients on the first day following discharge) between hospitals within the first week post-discharge, indicating that this may be a more accurate measure of readmissions associated with hospital care.
Researchers also found that many readmissions at 30 days and beyond could often be linked with factors attributable to the communities the hospitals served. CMS’s current risk-standardized readmission models adjust for patient age, sex and clinical characteristics, but not for community influences.
“If the goal of current public policy is to encourage hospitals to assume responsibility for post-discharge adherence and primary care follow-up, then penalties assessed for readmissions within 30 days or longer periods might align appropriately. However, if the goal is empowering patients and families to make healthcare choices informed by true differences in hospital performance, then a readmission interval of seven days or fewer might be more accurate and equitable,” concluded the study’s authors.
More articles on quality:
USC virtual reality pilot program seeks to find respite for young cancer patients
4 safe, cost-reducing strategies for treating acute conditions without hospitalization
AHRQ, CMS funnel $13.4M into testing, implementing new pediatric quality measures
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.