Health care in America is exceedingly costly, which means that any new programs that stem from health care reform have work cut out for them. Practicing preventative medicine is vital to the nation’s well-being, yet America doesn’t appear to be proficient in that regard. According to a 2009 study by the New England Journal of Medicine, one-fifth of Medicare patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. After 90 days, that percentage increases to one-third. What is perhaps most disturbing is that after a year, two-thirds of patients are back within the hospital or dead. Article resource – Patient re-admission is as common as it is costly by Newystype.com.
The re-admission of patients is inefficient and costly
The Huffington Post reports that Medicare cost taxpayers $17.4 billion in 2004. That tremendous cash outlay prompted Medicare administration to begin 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. Thinking about that several studies show that three-quarters of all re-admissions are preventable, seems like likely the efficiency experts have lots of business.
Hospitals and nursing homes won’t take ownership
Lack of communication between acute care hospitals and skilled nursing facilities is a common thread in just how likely a patient is to avoid rebounding back into care. Not providing enough patient and medication info, neglecting follow-up appointments and providing confusing or contradictory patient care instructions are just some of the major issues America’s health care system faces, writes the Post. Older patients on Medicaid – particularly those who shuttle between different types of care facilities – are among the most at risk in this communication black hole.
Medicare and private insurance work with blinders on
The Huffington Post cites an American Geriatric Society study that shows that Medicare and private insurance companies are “pushing very hard” to have stroke rehab patients admitted to skilled nursing facilities rather than 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. Couple the clear cost difference with the proven statistical fact that patients who enter inpatient rehab facilities after a stroke are three times more likely to return home after care and also the lack of vision on the part of Medicare and private insurance becomes particularly disturbing.
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. This is why it is vitally significant that patients (Medicare or otherwise) and their loved ones question doctors concerning the risk of re-admission, and for making certain they understand the necessary care going forward. If you’d like more details on what questions to ask, look into the Huffington Post article.
Further reading
Huffington Post
huffingtonpost.com/richard-c-senelick-md/the-bounce-back-effect-ho_b_677575.html
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