Prescription medication, hospitalizations and emergency room visit costs showed the biggest increase in cost contributing to a 4.6% overall increase for 2015. Health Care Cost Institute completed a data analysis from the nation’s four major insurers to investigate the unexpected increase.
Select communities across the Great Plains Quality Innovation Network (QIN) region are working collaboratively to impact cost increases through reduction in avoidable hospital admissions, readmissions and Adverse Drug Events (ADEs).
Quarterly reports for Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota show regional rates below the national average and a slight increase over 2014 for acute-care utilization, which includes hospital admissions and readmissions, emergency room visits and observation stays.
Coordination of care among healthcare providers and facilities is an ongoing area of focus to achieve the triple aim and to provide patient-centered care while navigating complex health care concerns. Coordination of Care creates better patient outcomes, improves overall satisfaction and reduces avoidable hospital admissions. Join the Learning And Action Network or contact a Great Plains QIN staff member for information, tools and resources.