Half of Medicare, Medicaid Charges in California Related to Readmissions

A study of readmissions to California hospitals in 2005-2006 found that one-half of the charges billed to Medicare and Medicaid were related to readmissions with a one-year period.

Overall, about one-third of California hospital patients were readmitted at least once within a year, according to the report, published by the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. It also determined that 18.4% of Medicare patients and 15% of Medi-Cal patients were readmitted within 30 days.

Not surprisingly, the number of readmissions was higher for patients with such conditions as heart or kidney failure, emphysema, or psychosis; however, it varied considerably among hospitals and across the regions of the state.

The analysis, conducted by Mary Tran, PhD, MPH, examined which patients are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital, how many times they return, and how much time passes between being discharged and then admitted for a new stay. It also demonstrated how much readmissions add to the cost of care and which types of healthcare coverage are most affected.