Readmission to hospital is first of all costly, but patients would have no other choice if their condition needs close medical attention. But why has this really been happening significantly? What’s the reason behind avoidable readmission of patients who have just been discharged from a hospital?
According to the 2007 report of Medicare Payment Advisory or MedPAC, and independent agency that advises the Congress, about three-quarters of readmission cases may have been prevented. The possible solution is achieving better handoff from hospital to people or institutions that will be with the patient as he recovers. In fact, proper coordination of the patient care has showed significant improvements in hospitals that have already been practicing the method, like Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta.
Piedmont Hospital first looks into the high-risk of readmission, and provides a checklist of logistical and psychosocial issues that needs to be addressed before letting go of these patients. Schedule of follow-up visit is also ensured. Also provided is an easily understandable form explaining reasons of hospitalization as well as necessary things for recovery, which include medications, diet restrictions, and warning signs. The form also contains details about whom to call for related problems. Further, there is a nurse who will call to check on the patient after 3 days.
Although it means additional budget for doctors to buy scrubs, new scrub tops, scrubs pants, drinks and vacations, the health-care overhaul would penalize hospitals having higher-than-expected readmission rates for Medicare patients who had been treated for heart failure, heart attack, or pneumonia. More conditions that could result to penalties will be specified as the law expands in the coming years. In the meantime, hospitals are expected to have 1% reduction on Medicare payments by 2012, 2% in 2013, and 3% in 2014.
The said program is expected to put additional baggage for healthcare workers, especially on the adjustment period, but will surely pay off. 30-day readmission among patients under 70 years of age as well as those ageing above 70 declined in the said hospital.
