Differences in 30-day readmission rates after total hips

Editor's Note

Researchers found significant differences in the odds of 30-day readmissions after total hip arthroplasties on the basis of race, socioeconomic status, and payer.

• African American and Hispanic patients had a higher risk of readmissions than white patients.
• Lower socioeconomic status was linked to higher odds of readmission.
• Medicare and uninsured status were associated with increased risk of readmission.

As readmission penalties for total hip arthroplasties are widely adopted, payers must be mindful of their effects on vulnerable populations, the researchers note. 

Background: Policymakers have expanded readmissions penalties to include elective total hip arthroplasties (THA), but little is known whether disparities exist on the basis of race, socioeconomic status, or payer. Objective: To identify disparities in elective primary THA readmissions based on race, socioeconomic status, and type of insurance.