Study Questions Link Between Readmissions, Mortality
There is little relationship between hospitals' readmission and mortality rates, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers analyzed Medicare data from July 2005 to June 2008 on readmissions within 30 days of discharge and mortality within 30 days of admission for certain conditions. The study found that 20% of acute myocardial infarction patients were readmitted, and 17% died, while 18% of pneumonia patients were readmitted, and 11% died.
- "Hospital Deaths and Readmissions Not Linked: Study" (Seaman, Reuters, 2/12).