In April 2009, the New England Journal of Medicine published an article by Jencks, Williams and Coleman, where they stated that 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries discharged from hospitals were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days. 34 percent of these Medicare beneficiaries were readmitted within 90 days.

Over 90% of these readmissions were unplanned, the result of clinical deterioration and they estimate that it cost Medicare $17.4 billion. Amongst all the conditions analyzed, the rate of re hospitalization for Heart Failure was highest at 26.9 percent.

The length of stay for these frequently readmitted patients was 0.6 days longer than the ones who were not readmitted within 6 months, within the same diagnosis related group.

 

MEDPAC further stated that 75 percent of these readmissions were preventable.

Avery Telehealth patients have shown a 30 day readmission rate of 7.7 percent for 2011, which is significantly lower than the national average of 20 percent

Visiting Angels and Avery Telehealth have teamed up to reduce readmission rates by offering newly discharged patients a customized 30 day care plan utilizing homecare and telehealth services together.

 

TELEHEALTH services for 30 days may include:

• Daily Vital Signs Management
• Sympton Management
• Medication Management
• Scheduled follow up PCP appointment and care coordination with providers

 

VISITING ANGELS HOMECARE SERVICES FOR 30 DAYS INCLUDE:

 

• Follow discharge orders

• Follow up on PT and OT orders

• Recognition of changes in conditions

• Transportation home

• Proper nutrition and hydration

• Medication reminders

• Transportation to doctor appointments

• Healthy meal preparation

• Light housekeeping

• Prescription pick up and grocery shopping

• Home safety assessment and recommendations

• Personal care with ADL's

• Companionship

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