Key result
HRRP linked to stable AMI and HF postacute care but ~2.4% higher SNF use for pneumonia.
Why the study?
Hospitals may have increased referrals to skilled nursing facilities and home health care to reduce readmissions under Medicare's Hospital Readmission Reduction Program, but trends in such postdischarge care utilization were unclear.
Does the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program affect the use of skilled nursing facilities and home health care among Medicare beneficiaries admitted for AMI, HF, or pneumonia?
Observational
Yes
Does the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program affect the use of skilled nursing facilities and home health care among Medicare beneficiaries admitted for AMI, HF, or pneumonia?
p-value: p=<0.001
The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program did not significantly change post-acute care utilization for AMI and HF, but led to modest shifts for pneumonia patients.
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HRRP-linked SNF increases for pneumonia warrant monitoring; leaves open whether utilization shifts affect readmissions or outcomes.
Popescu et al. (2019) conducted an observational in Acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, or pneumonia. Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) vs. Projected utilization rates accounting for pre-HRRP trends was evaluated on 30-day postdischarge utilization of skilled nursing facility (SNF) and home health care (p=<0.001). The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program was associated with stable postacute care use for AMI and HF, but for pneumonia, SNF use increased by 2.4% (P<0.001) relative to projections.
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