Lowering Readmissions: A Task Force’s Success

Patient readmission costs upwards of $17 billion annually and is a challenge that health systems must address if they are to achieve success in value transformation. Connecting inpatient and outpatient transitions with the help of an engaged multi-disciplinary task force propelled a Florida healthcare system to readmission rates beyond the 94th percentile in the country. Focusing on chronic obstructive lung disease, congestive heart failure, and diabetes; embracing tenets of change management; using data support; and soliciting active engagement of community resources and partnerships helped lower readmission rates, as did a variety of other strategies.