Disparities in 30-day readmissions after total hips

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has expanded readmission penalties to include elective total hip arthroplasties (THAs). However, little is known about how such penalties will impact hospitals that serve large minority and lower income patient populations.

This study from Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, examines disparities in THA readmissions based on race, socioeconomic status, and type of insurance.

Researchers found significant differences in the odds of 30-day readmissions:

• African American and Hispanic patients had a higher risk of readmission than white patients.
• Lower socioeconomic status was linked to higher odds of readmission.
• Medicare, Medicaid, 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 authors say.

—Oronce C I A, Shao H, Shi L. Disparities in 30-day readmissions after total hip arthroplasty. Med Care. 2015;53:924-930.

http://journals.lww.com/lww-medicalcare/Abstract/2015/11000/Disparities_in_30_Day_Readmissions_After_Total_Hip.3.aspx