Premium
Hospital Readmission Penalties: Coming Soon to a Nursing Home Near You!
Author(s) -
Carnahan Jennifer L.,
Unroe Kathleen T.,
Torke Alexia M.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/jgs.14021
Subject(s) - medicine , unintended consequences , incentive , health care , skilled nursing facility , patient protection and affordable care act , nursing , medline , hospital readmission , medical emergency , medicaid , political science , law , economics , microeconomics , economic growth
The Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 includes provisions for hospital readmission penalties for skilled nursing facilities ( SNF s) starting in 2018. This presents an opportunity for care improvement but also raises several concerns regarding quality of care. The readmission measure for SNF s is similar to the current readmission measure for hospitals mandated under the Affordable Care Act, with the exception of adjustments made for sex. Because these measures for hospitals are similar, lessons can be learned from implementation of the existing hospital readmission penalties. In addition, there are three specific concerns that the authors relate to implementing the proposed measure in SNF s. There is poor communication and care coordination between care settings, including posthospitalization and post‐ SNF care in the current healthcare system. Adding readmission penalties to SNF regulations may create perverse incentives for prolonged SNF stays. The evidence base for the best means of caring for individuals after a brief stay in a SNF needs enrichment. These challenges need to be addressed as part of implementation of these new hospital readmission penalties for SNF s to improve care and prevent new unintended consequences.