Home healthcare for chronically ill patients could help cut down on hospital readmission rates and improve healthcare spending, according to research conducted by Avalere Health.
The study compared hospital readmission rates and Medicare spending for chronically ill patients who received home healthcare to chronically ill patients who received other post-acute care services, such as services from long-term acute-care hospitals or inpatient rehabilitation facilities.
Home healthcare for patients with diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or congestive heart failure resulted in an estimated 20,426 fewer hospital readmissions than patients with the same conditions receiving other post-acute services. The results also showed the fewer readmissions led to an estimated $670 million in Medicare savings from Oct. 2006-Sept. 2009.
Related Articles on Hospital Readmissions:
HFMA Cites Several "Areas of Concern" in CMS' Readmissions Reduction Program
Texas Hospital Exceeds CMS Goal for Reducing Hospital Readmissions
AHA Urges CMS to Include Additional Patient Characteristics in its Hospital Readmissions Program
The study compared hospital readmission rates and Medicare spending for chronically ill patients who received home healthcare to chronically ill patients who received other post-acute care services, such as services from long-term acute-care hospitals or inpatient rehabilitation facilities.
Home healthcare for patients with diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or congestive heart failure resulted in an estimated 20,426 fewer hospital readmissions than patients with the same conditions receiving other post-acute services. The results also showed the fewer readmissions led to an estimated $670 million in Medicare savings from Oct. 2006-Sept. 2009.
Related Articles on Hospital Readmissions:
HFMA Cites Several "Areas of Concern" in CMS' Readmissions Reduction Program
Texas Hospital Exceeds CMS Goal for Reducing Hospital Readmissions
AHA Urges CMS to Include Additional Patient Characteristics in its Hospital Readmissions Program