As hospitals around the country reopen to elective procedures, unresolved challenges must once again be grappled with. One of these challenges is the reduction of hospital readmission rates. Hospital readmission refers to the readmission of a patient less than 30 days after a procedure, normally due to complications. According to the American Institute of Research, nearly one in five patients experience readmission.
While the lowering of this number should be enough to have hospitals take this issue seriously, there are other factors that contribute to the severity of this problem needing to be resolved. Due to the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program (HRRP), hospitals with an excess in hospital readmission rates may see their medicare payments significantly reduced.
With both the U.S. government taking this problem seriously and the sheer scope of the issue, it is more important than ever for hospitals to take the reduction of readmission rates seriously. Luckily, there is research showing that hospitals can take steps to reduce these rates, potentially saving patient’s time and money.
Reducing Hospital Readmission Rates
In a study titled, “Hospital Strategies Associated With 30-Day Readmission Rates for Patients With Heart Failure” researchers found a number of ways to help reduce readmission rates for patients. One of these methods was to ensure that patients had follow-up appointments before being discharged. By keeping careful track of a patient’s recovery on medical PCs, medical staff can know beforehand whether a patient can be discharged. Then, in a follow up appointment, medical staff can refer to information on their medical grade computer on the patient’s recovery and make the decision on whether or not to discharge them. Keeping a record of a patient’s recovery on a medical PC can ensure patients who would be readmitted will instead remain in care.
Handling Readmission
While reducing readmission rates should be the goal of any hospital, the study also found ways to help make readmission as smooth as possible. Part of their strategy is to create a plan for family members and caretakers to use in case a patient needs to be readmitted. In addition, linking inbound and outbound medical records also helped. By using a medical grade computer, doctors can create these game plans for family members and caretakers and securely transfer the files to them. In addition, doctors can use their medical grade computer to combine medical records and ensure that a readmitted patient receives the care they need.
Hospital Readmission Rates: Reduced With Medical PCs
Reducing hospital readmission rates is a crucial goal in healthcare, and medical PCs can help achieve it. Medical PCs are a type of medical grade computer, and help doctor’s keep track of patient’s records so that readmission is not necessary. When it is, medical PCs can help make the process easy and keep patients healthy. With a medical grade computer at your doctor’s side, there’s nothing they can’t accomplish.
