Hospital readmission rates vary depending on the data collection method, according to a study in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
Researchers measured 30-day unplanned readmission rates among colorectal surgery patients at a hospital from July 2009 through November 2011 using three different data collection methods:
• American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program clinical reviewer
• University HealthSystem Consortium administrative billing data
• Physician medical record review
The readmission rate according to the NSQIP method was 14.6 percent, while the rate was 17.6 percent according to the UHC method. The UHC method determined 51 percent of its calculated readmissions were potentially preventable, whereas physician chart review determined 87 percent of these readmissions were clinically necessary at the time of presentation.
The authors concluded that the data collection method for hospital readmissions should be standardized and fair so reimbursement cuts related to readmission rates do not penalize hospitals unfairly.
Lowering Readmission Rates Through Retail Clinic Partnerships
Study: Return ED Visits Account for Half of Patient Returns to Acute-Level Care
Researchers measured 30-day unplanned readmission rates among colorectal surgery patients at a hospital from July 2009 through November 2011 using three different data collection methods:
• American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program clinical reviewer
• University HealthSystem Consortium administrative billing data
• Physician medical record review
The readmission rate according to the NSQIP method was 14.6 percent, while the rate was 17.6 percent according to the UHC method. The UHC method determined 51 percent of its calculated readmissions were potentially preventable, whereas physician chart review determined 87 percent of these readmissions were clinically necessary at the time of presentation.
The authors concluded that the data collection method for hospital readmissions should be standardized and fair so reimbursement cuts related to readmission rates do not penalize hospitals unfairly.
More Articles on Hospital Readmissions:
Simple Initiative Cuts Readmissions 27% at St. John Hospital in DetroitLowering Readmission Rates Through Retail Clinic Partnerships
Study: Return ED Visits Account for Half of Patient Returns to Acute-Level Care