Overcoming readmissions risks in racially and ethnically diverse patients

All readmissions are not created equal.

Research shows that ethnic and racial minorities may wind up back in the hospital after discharge more often than their white counterparts for certain conditions, such as pneumonia and heart failure. This increased rate of readmissions is due to many factors, including:

• A higher incidence of some chronic diseases
• Social, economic, cultural, and linguistic barriers to care

CMS is hoping to change that with a new publication, "Guide to Preventing Readmissions Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Beneficiaries." Its authors said that the guide aims to accomplish three main goals:

1. Providing an overview of the issues that can lead to higher readmission rates among this group
2. Outlining actions hospital leaders can take to reduce these avoidable readmissions
3. Providing case studies and examples of initiatives that have worked to reduce readmissions among racial and ethnically diverse Medicare beneficiaries

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