Hospital Readmissions in Pneumonia Patients: Quality of Care and Cost Containment

AbstractPurpose of ReviewPneumonia is a significant health problem in the United States severely impacting morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, pneumonia is responsible for over 100,000 readmissions every year. Recent efforts to curve the pneumonia readmission rates include increased hospital ’s accountability and Medicare& Medicaid reimbursement penalties for excess readmission rates.Recent FindingsMultiple factors associated with pneumonia readmissions are not modifiable or amenable to intervention.   Yet, recent data suggest that improving pneumonia readmission rates is feasible.  Factors such as adherence to evidence-based pneumonia guidelines, preventing premature discharge, and assuring stability of comorbidities may be linked to 30-day readmissions.    Interventions aimed at improving physician adherence to evidence-based pneumonia guidelines may further impact pneumonia readmission rates.SummaryDecreasing pneumonia readmission rates is feasible but requires a comprehensive approach addressing multiple factors linked with hospital readmissions.
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research