Score can predict risk for hospital readmission

A risk score for hospitalized patients can pinpoint those most at risk of having to be readmitted to the hospital for avoidable reasons.

MedPage Today: Score Predicts Preventable Readmissions
A risk prediction score for hospitalized patients can find those most at risk of returning for avoidable reasons, researchers found. The HOSPITAL score -- based on hemoglobin and sodium levels at discharge, whether the admission was elective, and similar factors -- identified 18% of patients as at high risk for a potentially avoidable readmission within 30 days with a "fair" level of accuracy (Phend, 3/25).

Also in the news, a progress report on efforts to reset hospital and doctor pay -

Kaiser Health News: Slow Progress On Efforts To Pay Docs, Hospitals For 'Value,' Not Volume
For decades, reformers have sought to change how doctors and hospitals are paid to reward quality and efficiency – efforts that accelerated as a result of the health care overhaul. But surprisingly little progress has been made to date, a consortium of large employers reported today (Mitchell, 3/26).