A readmission refers to the return of a patient to the hospital or healthcare facility within a certain period, typically 30 days, after their initial discharge. This can occur for various reasons, such as complications arising from the original health issue, the emergence of a new medical problem, or the need for further treatment and care. Readmissions are considered significant markers for the quality of care and patient outcomes within healthcare services.
Readmission rates differ across hospitals and states, highlighting the significant role that healthcare facilities play in influencing these rates. Consequently, it is feasible to diminish readmission rates by implementing concrete measures to enhance patient care both during their hospital stay and after discharge.
The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP), established by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), aims to lower the incidence of avoidable readmissions. It does so by motivating hospitals to enhance care coordination and communication, as well as by actively involving patients and their caregivers in the discharge planning process.
Readmissions significantly impact healthcare by serving as indicators of care quality and affecting both patient outcomes and healthcare costs. High readmission rates may reflect issues in the discharge process or care coordination, leading to unnecessary expenses for healthcare systems and patients alike. Moreover, they can adversely influence patient health and satisfaction by indicating potential gaps in post-discharge care.
Efforts to reduce readmissions, such as enhancing care coordination and engaging patients in their discharge planning, are crucial for improving healthcare efficiency and ensuring better health outcomes.