Patient re-admission is as common as it is costly

Many Americans are wondering if health care reform can be enough to offset the massive financial burdens that have plagued the nation's health care system for the past few decades. Efficient practice of preventative medicine is important, yet it is a category where America fails miserably. After just 30 days, says a 2009 New England Journal of Medicine study, about 20 percent of patients are ready to go back to the hospital for the exact same problem that previously required they be admitted. After 90 days, that percentage increases to one-third. What is maybe most disturbing is that after a year, two-thirds of patients are back in the hospital or dead. Source of article - Patient re-admission is as common as it is costly by Newystype.com.


Re-admission of patients is a costly dilemma



The Huffington Post reports that Medicare cost taxpayers $17.4 billion in 2004. That tremendous cash outlay prompted Medicare administration to start to monitor hospital re-admission rates. Those hospitals with the greatest occurrence of re-admission faced economic sanctions. A new industry was born amidst the turmoil; private companies would extend their efficiency expert services to afflicted hospitals. As various studies show that 75 percent of re-admissions are preventable, there appear to be numerous avenues through which hospitals could enact improvements in patient care.



Hospitals and nursing facilities blame each other



Lack of proper communication seems to be the common ingredient when it comes to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities providing sub-par care that leads to re-admission. Incomplete patient notes and post-care regimen instructions are definite problems. Older patients on Medicaid who are passed back and forth between care facilities tend to be one of the most vulnerable victims caught within the crossfire.


How Medicare and private insurance may be hurting themselves



The Huffington Post cites an American Geriatric Society study that shows that Medicare and private insurance businesses are "pushing very hard" to have stroke rehab patients admitted to skilled nursing facilities instead of inpatient rehab centers. This is done due to lower costs up front, but the rebound rate at skilled nursing facilities in this scenario is seven times higher. Medicare and private insurance corporations must learn to see beyond the low first cost, because it will likely conserve millions, say critics.


Get the answers you need



Patients and those who care about them must ask doctors questions in order to assess the risk of future re-admittance. Ask your doctor about all risks and future care procedures for clarity. For more info on specific questions, see the Huffington Post article listed below.



Further reading



Huffington Post

huffingtonpost.com/richard-c-senelick-md/the-bounce-back-effect-ho_b_677575.html