One in three adult patients does not see a physician within 30 days of discharge from a hospital, according to a study by the Center for Studying Health System Change for the National Institute for Health Care Reform.
Many adults who do not see a physician after discharge are at high risk of readmission because of chronic conditions or physical activity limitations. For their study, researchers relied on 2000-2008 data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Their research also showed 17.6 percent of adult patients still had not seen a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant even 90 days after discharge.
The study findings also indicate that gaps in care after discharge are common for adults covered by all types of insurance. Many patients discharged from a hospital also face challenges accessing their usual source of care. Strategies that could address gaps in post-discharge care include bundled payments, patient-centered medical home efforts and health information technology.
Many adults who do not see a physician after discharge are at high risk of readmission because of chronic conditions or physical activity limitations. For their study, researchers relied on 2000-2008 data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Their research also showed 17.6 percent of adult patients still had not seen a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant even 90 days after discharge.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
The study findings also indicate that gaps in care after discharge are common for adults covered by all types of insurance. Many patients discharged from a hospital also face challenges accessing their usual source of care. Strategies that could address gaps in post-discharge care include bundled payments, patient-centered medical home efforts and health information technology.
Related Articles on Hospital Readmissions:
Study: 1 in 4 Colon Surgery Patients Readmitted to Hospital at Cost of $300M a Year
Extra Nurse Practitioner Can Reduce Unnecessary Emergency Department Visits
Medicare Health Support Pilot Program Fails to Cut Costs or Improve Quality
