Readmissions are more than a hospital visit—they're a significant marker of healthcare quality, impacting patient well-being, time away from work, and skyrocketing costs of care. It makes sense considering that duplication of efforts by hospital staff, multiple rounds of tests, and poor discharge planning all take time and money. The reality is many readmissions are preventable, and variations in readmission rates highlight discrepancies in care quality across different facilities.

In this blog, we’ll explore why minimizing readmissions is crucial, how they can often be prevented, and why focusing on this key metric can drive quality improvement. We’ll also discuss how global concierge health benefits offer a promising solution to reduce readmissions by 65% and improve overall patient outcomes.

How readmissions negatively impact patients

Hospital readmissions have far-reaching consequences for patients, affecting their physical and emotional well-being, work-life balance, and financial stability.

John Hopkins reports that unresolved health issues or complications lead to prolonged physical discomfort and emotional distress for patients. The experience of being readmitted can be disheartening and may exacerbate feelings of anxiety and uncertainty about their health.

Another important factor to consider is time away from work. When a patient is readmitted to the hospital, they’re taking more days away from their primary source of income. But the harm doesn’t stop at the patient’s paycheck. Career progression can also stall as a result of extended time away from the office or workplace.

Arguably the most significant negative impact of readmissions is the financial burden associated with it. According to the National Library of Medicine, 30-day readmission costs roughly $15,200, while some conditions, like organ transplant complications, can even double that price.

The quality crisis in global healthcare

Employers need help obtaining clinical outcome data from their healthcare networks. In fact, readmission rates vary from a median of 13.7% to over 20% at the lowest-performing hospitals and certain surgeons.

The broader implications of these disparities are alarming. Medical errors in the U.S. are estimated to cause over 250,000 deaths annually, according to The BMJ. Additionally, Johns Hopkins estimates that these errors lead to 795,000 cases of permanent disability or death each year in the U.S. alone. The quality gaps are prevalent in Europe, too, with roughly 160,000 deaths attributed to medical errors.

Why readmissions are often preventable

Hospital readmissions are not inevitable; many can be prevented through improved care practices and better patient management. ‍

Research has consistently shown that a significant portion of readmissions are avoidable with the right interventions.

One key factor is the quality of care during the initial hospital stay. Ensuring that patients receive comprehensive treatment, proper diagnosis, and effective discharge planning can greatly reduce the likelihood of readmission. Studies from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that hospitals with evidence-based care transition processes, such as pre-discharge patient education and medication reconciliation, have lower readmission rates.

The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) has highlighted the substantial variation in readmission rates across hospitals. For instance, readmission rates for congestive heart failure can range from 11% to 32%, and for pneumonia from 8% to 27%. This variation suggests that differences in hospital practices and the quality of care impact readmission rates.

How readmissions measure quality monitoring and improvement

Hospital readmissions have long been a vital metric for assessing healthcare quality, and they play a significant role in quality monitoring and improvement initiatives. Here’s how:

Medicare profiling and payment

As the largest payer for hospital care in the U.S., Medicare has prioritized reducing readmission rates. The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) is a key component of this effort. HRRP penalizes hospitals with higher-than-expected readmission rates for specific conditions, incentivizing them to improve patient care and reduce unnecessary readmissions. This program underscores the importance of readmission rates in hospital profiling and financial planning.

Health plan quality measures

Readmission rates are also a focus for health plans, serving as a benchmark for quality measures across various sectors, including Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial spaces. Health plans use readmission rates to evaluate the performance of healthcare providers and ensure that patients receive high-quality care. By monitoring these rates, health plans can identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance patient outcomes.

Reducing readmissions is not just a target for individual hospitals but a collective goal for the entire healthcare system.

The emphasis on readmission rates in quality monitoring and improvement initiatives reflects a broader commitment to delivering better care, reducing healthcare costs, and ultimately improving patient well-being.

How Global Centers of Excellence are the answer to readmissions

Unmatched provider quality

World Class Health (WCH) has pioneered the first Global Concierge Health Services benefit through Global COEs that overcome the barriers of cost, quality, and access to care. The result? 65% lower hospital readmission
rates vs. the U.S. benchmark.

By leveraging WCH’s network, employers and their employees can access the largest global network of the top 1% providers in the world, including a number of members of the Newsweek World’s Best Hospitals.

Most of these providers are accredited by Joint Commission International, adhering to a rigorous 1,000-point checklist and surpassing industry quality benchmarks. The network includes highly experienced and credentialed providers across specialties like:  

• Bariatric
• Cancer
• Cardiac
• Cell and gene therapy
• Fertility
• Musculoskeletal
• Transgender affirmation

Clinical outcomes are benchmarked at world-class levels, with a readmission rate of just 1.6%, and include a trust-building warranty for peace of mind.

This extensive network already has COEs contracted across the key continents where global employers have large populations: North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, India, and Asia.

Tailored support from start to finish

WCH’s high-touch, end-to-end care navigation ensures seamless support for employees from diagnosis through recovery based on three important factors:

1. Personalized care

Employees benefit from personalized care navigation services, which includes a dedicated coordinator to guide them throughout their medical journey. This coordinator provides extensive support, ensuring patients receive individualized attention and care tailored to their specific needs.

2. Dedicated nurse support

A dedicated nurse offers hours of personalized support, assisting patients from the initial diagnosis. This high level of individualized care helps employees understand their treatment plans, manage their recovery effectively, and access any necessary medical resources.

3. Week-long recovery package

Employees also receive a comprehensive 7-day recovery package. This package accommodates both the patient and their support person at a hotel in close proximity to the hospital, enabling nurse and physiotherapy visits to maximize rest and recovery.

With these high-touch, end-to-end navigation services, employees can experience a smoother, more supportive healthcare journey, leading to better outcomes and greater peace of mind.

Ultimately, hospital readmissions are costly—emotionally and financially—for patients in the healthcare system. WCH’s innovative business model addresses the issues head-on by offering access to the top 1% of hospitals in the world with a 30-day readmission rate as low as 1.6%.

If you want to avoid the costly issues associated with readmissions, leverage the best care the healthcare industry has to offer. Get in touch with a WCH expert who can educate you on our holistic approach to global healthcare.