CARDIAC PATIENT READMISSIONS: AN IN-DEPTH INVESTIGATION OF INFLUENTIAL VARIABLES

Abstract

American healthcare is at a critical juncture, facing the challenge of balancing accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and quality. The complex interplay of rising healthcare expenses, evolving legislative frameworks, shifting demographics, and varying definitions of quality necessitates innovative solutions to maximize the value proposition in the U.S. healthcare system. One significant strategy aimed at achieving this balance is the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP), an integral component of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The HRRP penalizes hospitals with higher-than-expected readmission rates by deducting up to 3% of their total Medicare payments. Hospital readmissions, as identified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, not only incur substantial financial costs but are also amendable. Over 2,000 hospitals are subject to these penalties, resulting in a collective loss of approximately $280 million in Medicare funds annually. Beyond the financial aspect, this issue has broader societal ramifications, including the economic externalities of lost wages and productivity, as well as the potential for enhanced patient care.