In this Question of the Week, Jennifer Osburn, Clinical Consultant, answers a question related to 30-Day Readmissions.
Q: If a PT is d/c (straightforward not a transfer, recert etc]) from HH then readmitted within 30 days of that HHA d/c (disregarding any hosp side penalties), could the HHA be penalized due to the hospital admission? How would we know? What if the dx has nothing to do with the HH episode dx? Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.
A: The HHVBP measure Discharge to Community measures the number of patients successfully discharged to home, with a successful discharge defined as remaining at home and alive for at least 31 days after the agency has discharged them to the home setting. Yes – that is correct. If the patient is admitted to a facility for an unplanned reason, it would count against the agency’s performance for this measure. Since this measure is based on facility claims data, the diagnoses listed on their claims and dates of service is what is used to define measure performance.
How would you know? Many agencies are now implementing post-discharge “check in” calls with their patients periodically during the 31-day DC period.
What if the dx has nothing to do with the HH episode dx? They do not just check for diagnoses you treated during the home health episode or admission period(s).
HPS provides education on this and other HHVBP and Quality measures as part of our Alliance webinar series. We also have available agency-specific education and training available. If you are interested in these options, click on the corresponding link below:
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