What We’re Reading – 10 Ways to Reduce Hospital Readmissions

In order to prevent reduced Medicare reimbursements under CMS’ Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program and being penalized under CMS’ Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program for having high rates of preventable readmissions, the author suggests 10 proven ways hospitals can reduce their number of preventable readmissions:

1. Understand which patient populations are at greatest risk of readmissions.
2. Target patients with limited English proficiency.
3. Participate in incentive programs with payors.
4. Join a readmission prevention-focused collaborative.
5. Ensure patients schedule a seven-day follow-up.
6. Implement a robust home healthcare program.
7. Ensure smooth transitional care.
8. Clearly communicate post-discharge instructions.
9. Install telemonitoring technology in the homes of chronically ill patients.
10. Effectively staff nurses during patient care.