Readmissions to hospitals, particularly within 30 days of discharge, serve as a critical measure for evaluating the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services. The Hospital Readmission Reduction Program (HRRP) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Star Rating system place significant emphasis on readmission rates as indicators of hospital performance. These measures directly impact hospitals' financial health through penalties and influence their reputation through public reporting.

Dexur’s analysis of Medicare claims data reveals 73-85% of 30-day readmissions via the Emergency Department (ED) for several conditions. This data is pivotal, as it highlights potential areas for healthcare improvement and patient care optimization.

To effectively address the high rates of 30-day readmissions via the Emergency Department (ED), healthcare organizations can implement several strategic approaches. These strategies not only aim to reduce readmissions but also to enhance patient care and satisfaction, which in turn can improve hospitals' standings in the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program (HRRP) and CMS Star Ratings. The following outlines three key strategies:

1. Post Discharge Follow-Up

The significance of post-discharge follow-up cannot be overstated, given the narrow performance gap between the top 90th percentile and the bottom 10th percentile of hospitals. Implementing comprehensive post-discharge follow-up processes ensures that no patient falls through the cracks. Dexur's event and incident management software plays a crucial role in this strategy by tracking every patient to guarantee that appropriate follow-up care is conducted after discharge. This involves monitoring patients' recovery progress, ensuring they understand their discharge instructions, and addressing any emerging health concerns promptly to prevent unnecessary ED visits and readmissions.

2. Triaging in the Emergency Department

Innovative triaging strategies in the ED are essential for minimizing readmissions and associated penalties. A noteworthy example is the approach adopted by Hunterdon Health, led by interim chief medical officer Dr. Robert Coates. Hunterdon Medical Center has established a system to identify patients who return to the ED within 30 days of discharge. Rather than readmitting these patients, the hospital facilitates immediate follow-up care, such as next-day appointments with a doctor or home health monitoring. Additionally, Hunterdon proactively contacts discharged patients to verify that they have filled their prescriptions and attended a follow-up visit with a healthcare provider within a week of discharge. This strategy is instrumental in preventing readmissions by ensuring continuous care and support for patients post-discharge.

3. Close Monitoring of Readmission Rates

Closely tracking readmission rates, especially those via the ED, provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing readmissions. By analyzing both the overall readmission numbers and the proportion of readmissions occurring through the ED, healthcare providers can gauge the impact of their strategies. Dexur offers critical support in this area by providing detailed data derived from both internal hospital records and the analysis of Medicare claims data. This data enables healthcare organizations to identify trends, measure the success of their readmission reduction efforts, and refine their strategies accordingly.

Implementing these strategies requires a coordinated effort across various departments within a healthcare organization. By focusing on comprehensive post-discharge care, innovative triaging in the ED, and diligent monitoring of readmission rates, hospitals can significantly reduce the incidence of 30-day readmissions via the ED. Such efforts not only improve patient outcomes but also enhance the hospital's financial performance and reputation under key healthcare quality measures.