Question

Tell me about Medicare's 30-Day Readmission Rule...what is it; when did it go into effect; why was it introduced; how has it impacted hospitals; how would it likely impact you as a manager?​

Answer 1

Medicare's 30-Day Readmission Rule: If a patient admit to the hospital within 30 days after discharge, thats means readmission from the same department or another department.

Generally, hospital readmission happens when the patient outcome is bad or disease/problem got reverted. It shows the improper medical treatment. Hospital admission is also associated with high financial costs.This directly impact on hospital reputation. Whereas, the hospital will be penalised because of this readmission rule.

CMS(centers for medicare and medicaid services) was introduced for the social security act, which includes short-term inpatients with acute cases but not longterm cases like psychiatry, critical access, cancer treatments.

This indicate the quality of treatment and it is measured. Even medicare provides incentives to the hospitals to provide best quality care and to decrease the readmission.

As a manager, if this readmission happens, the hospital services are penalised directly. So, inorder to avoid this we have to implement few stratigies. Here as follows:

1. To provide quality care rather than quantity.

2. To ensure a good communication between patient and healthcare provider.

3. To ensure the patient needs and plan accordingly that all needs are met.

4. To improve discharge plan

5. Educating clients and followup for discharged patients

6. All the records should be stored in a electronic devices for better continuity of care.