If you do not have October 1, 2012 circled as an important day, then get your red pen ready! This is the date the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) becomes effective as part of the March 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). This program requires the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reduce payments to hospitals with excess readmissions for unnecessary readmissions within 30 days of discharge if the patient has acute myocardial infarction (AMI), pneumonia (PN) and heart failure (HF). CMS views three stages related to readmissions: – Inpatient care processes – Effective discharge (soon to be termed transitional level planning) – Post discharge or transitional care In the new era of Healthcare Reform, home care and hospice leaders play a vital role to ensure the appropriateness of care, in the right setting. Is your organization prepared for the challenge of ensuring appropriate care transitions? Learn more by reading TCG QuickTips©: Care Transitions Collaboration—Your Role in Reducing Avoidable Rehospitalization. Or contact a TCG Consulting Services expert here.
