On December 9, Health System Management reported that last year, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) withheld $420 million in reimbursements from half of U.S. hospitals because of readmission penalties. Hospitals need to have a solid strategy to not only lessen the potential negative financial impact caused by readmissions but to improve how patients perceive the quality of care delivered by an organization. Essential components to a successful strategy to reduce readmissions include:
1. Improve care transitions to skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation programs and home health care
2. Identify at-risk patients and proactively address them
3. Ensure appropriate post-acute placement because it could mean the difference between a positive outcome and an unplanned trip to the hospital
4. Facilitate a robust information exchange between hospitals and post-acute care organizations
5. Hospitals are responsible for patient outcomes for 90 days after discharge so stay in contact with patients and their families
6. Technology can facilitate safer and more consistent care transitions
Improving care coordination leads to better patient outcomes, overall satisfaction and reduces avoidable hospital admissions. Great Plains QIN is partnering with communities throughout the region to unite stakeholders, consumers and healthcare providers to improve communication and care coordination – resulting in reduced hospital admissions, readmissions and medication harm. Visit our Web site to learn more and get involved through our Learning and Action Network.