The Hospital Readmission Reduction Program (HRRP) reduces payments to hospitals with excessive readmissions. High readmission rates can contribute to significant damage to a hospital’s financial health. A significant contributor to hospital readmissions is inaccurate diagnosis and inappropriate treatment, including the use of excess antibiotics, unsuitable treatment, and poor selection of medication or treatment.
Studies demonstrate that in-hospital consultation with the appropriate specialist improves outcomes for hospitalized patients and lowers the possibility for readmission. For example, patients who received early intervention from an infectious disease specialist were less likely to be readmitted after discharge. These patients also had lower total healthcare spending.
What actions can hospitals take to lower readmission rates? Can telemed care help?