Kane News January 2013
Reducing 30-day hospital readmissions can reduce overall healthcare costs
T
he last thing most patients want to do after leaving the hospital is to return anytime soon. Nonetheless, many patients find themselves back in an inpatient setting within 30 days. Many of these readmissions are unavoidable but some hospital readmissions are preventable and are believed to be due to poor care transitions and communication. It is estimated that Medicare readmissions within 30 days of discharge account for over $15 billion in spending. Identifying and reducing preventable hospital readmissions represents an exceptional opportunity for payers and providers to reduce costs and at the same time provide better patient care.
Some hospitals now have specific patient advocates that work solely on improving communications and smoothing out care transitions. Physical rehabilitation centers and skilled nursing facilities have made changes that can also reduce the risk of readmissions. They are training all employees in regards to changes in conditions that may lead to an unnecessary re-hospitalization. They are also notifying their patients and families on the topic of their clinical capabilities and ability to treat the patient without another trip to the hospital. As a consumer of healthcare, there are steps that you and your family can take to reduce your chances of having to endure an unnecessary re-hospitalization. It is important to follow up on all physician appointments that were scheduled at the time of discharge. Meticulous management of medications is a requirement. Everyone involved needs to be aware of red flags that indicate a patient’s condition is worsening. Maintain detailed records of your healthcare that you can provide to your physicians at each appointment. If hospitals, physicians, healthcare providers, patients and families work together, they can and will generate significant cost savings and overall better patient outcomes. PSN
This article was provided by Gwen Bronson, RN, manager of admissions at Kane Regional Centers. For more information, call (412) 422-6989 or email gbronson@alleghenycounty.us.
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January 2013 • Pittsburgh Senior News
Hospital and their provider partners are working diligently to reduce 30-day readmissions. They have stepped up efforts to improve communications between the different levels of care. Information regarding post hospitalization procedures and protocol are now shared among the various providers to improve coordination of patient care.
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