Hospital re-admissions are a priority issue in health, influencing patient recovery and overall healthcare expenditure. If patients re-admit to the hospital soon after discharge, it could be an indication of care coordination weaknesses or struggle to recover at home. Medicare Advantage programs have gone a long way towards mitigating this issue through structured prevention-based programs, follow-up visits, and better care provider communication.
The Greater Impact on Patient Health
Reduction of hospital readmission is not only about lowering expenses but also improving patients' overall health. Repeated hospital visits might lead to higher stress levels, exposure to infection, and interference in recovery. By utilizing care coordination models, Medicare Advantage aims to have healthier patients at home and minimize unnecessary hospitalization.
Learning about the Hospital Readmission Challenge
The Cost of Readmissions
30-Day hospital readmission after discharge is generally what is measured for healthcare quality. Such hospital readmissions are recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as costing billions of dollars annually and reflecting poor post-discharge care. Prevention of such occurrences requires strong care coordination and patient education, both being a core part of Medicare Advantage plans.
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