Racial and Ethnic Differences in 30-Day Hospital Readmissions Among US Adults With Diabetes

Key Points Question Are there differences in hospital readmission rates among racial and ethnic minorities with diabetes, and if so, what are the individual-level and hospital-level factors associated with these differences? Findings In this cohort study of 272 758 adults with diabetes, black patients had a significantly higher risk of unplanned all-cause 30-day hospital readmission than members of other racial/ethnic groups. This difference was most pronounced among lower-income patients and patients hospitalized in nonprofit, academic, or large hospitals. Meaning The observed differences in unplanned hospital readmission rates between black patients with diabetes and members of all other racial/ethnic groups reinforce the importance of identifying and addressing gaps in care that may be contributing to racial/ethnic disparities in health care quality and outcomes.