Reducing Readmissions for Ventilator Patients Through Early Transfer to Kindred Hospitals

Studies show that prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is associated with many financial and clinical risks, including, higher rates of ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW) and readmission.[i]^,[ii]

Researchers attempting to address this dilemma have found that transferring PMV patients to settings that specialize in ventilator weaning could be beneficial for those whose conditions are otherwise stable.^3,4

Clinical and Financial Outcomes at Kindred Hospitals

Kindred Hospitals provide specialized acute care and rehabilitation for medically complex patients, and have a particular expertise in treating ventilator patients

Data show that the average 30-day readmission are significantly lower at Kindred than at traditional inpatient hospitals for Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs) 003, 004, and 207 with prolonged mechanical ventilation^.5

• DRG 207: Respiratory system diagnosis with ventilator support >96 hours.
• DRG 003: ECMO or tracheostomy with MV >96 hours or principal diagnosis except face, mouth and neck with major O.R. procedures.
• DRG 004: Tracheostomy with MV >96 hours or principal diagnosis except face, mouth and neck without major O.R. procedures.

Kindred Hospitals’ Specialized Care

At Kindred, our high-level staffing allows us to accept critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation once they have reached a stable condition. Pulmonary patients benefit from physician-led interdisciplinary care, pulmonologist consultations, 24/7 access to respiratory therapy, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

We also have established care initiatives that promote recovery, including:

• Early mobility for all patients, even those on mechanical ventilation
• Disease-specific care certifications in Respiratory Failure from The Joint Commission

At a Kindred Hospital, PMV patients benefit from specialized and efficient care in a facility focused specifically on their needs. With the significant risks associated with PMV, transferring these patients to a Kindred Hospital once they are stable is an important strategy in improving patient outcomes, and reducing readmission risk and cost.

To learn more about how we can help reduce readmissions, visit kindredmanagedcare.com

¹ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26242743/

² https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7515670/

³ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6852505/

⁴ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28403404/ 

⁵ The Advisory Board. The Post-Acute Care Pathways Explorer: State Average Outcomes by MS-DRG, Accessed August 2024; Systems Outcomes Report, MS-DRG, Kindred Hospital Medicare IDs, Q4 2022-Q1 2023.