Implementation of HRRP program associated with increased mortality after discharge

Bottom Line: The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) was created under the Affordable Care Act and hospitals face financial penalties for higher-than-expected 30-day readmission rates for patients with heart failure, heart attack and pneumonia.

Lower hospital readmission rates for those conditions have been associated with the program but it was unclear if the program was associated with a change in patient deaths. This observational study included 8 million Medicare hospitalizations for heart failure, heart attack and pneumonia before and after HRRP was implemented. Study results suggest implementation of the HRRP was associated with an increase in deaths within 30 days after discharge for hospitalization for heart failure and pneumonia but not for heart attack. More research is needed to understand if the increase in 30-day postdischarge mortality is a result of the program, considering a lack of association with mortality within 45 days of hospital admission.