ACO-affiliated hospitals reduce SNF readmissions at a higher rate

Hospitals affiliated with Medicare accountable care organizations (ACO) are more likely than other hospitals to avoid rehospitalizations from skilled nursing facilities (SNF), a Health Affairs study found.

Medicare ACOs are focused on CMS’ mission to improve care coordination and reduce readmissions. These facilities typically provide care for a high number of elderly patients compared to other hospitals. The study found that overall rehospitalizations declined from 2007 to 2013 and that ACO-affiliated hospitals made notable progress toward reducing rehospitalizations from SNFs.

Health Affairs attributed the higher reduction in readmissions among ACO-affiliated hospitals to more effective discharges to SNFs, enhanced information sharing with SNFs, and more effective targeting of at-risk patients.