Discharge plan would make sense for patient, family

Our health care system is clearly in need of reform and I am heartened that our policy makers are delving into the issues to bring this to fruition this year. As I examine the existing concerns with our health care system, it's apparent that there could be ways to save money.

When people are discharged from the hospital, they often end up having to go right back. Why? Because there is a lack of follow up care and support. This is especially true for people with chronic or multiple conditions who juggle multiple providers and medications. A genuine lack of patient coordination can result in worse health problems due to added stress, prolonged hospital stays and even medical errors.

AARP reports that this costs Medicare $17 billion! Nearly a fifth of Medicare patients end up back in the hospital within 30 days of their being discharged.

One way to improve this situation is to establish a follow-up care benefit within Medicare. This would support patients as they transition to their homes or rehab. A discharge plan that makes sense for the patient and their family could go a long way to keeping people healthier and stop avoidable and costly readmissions.
Marcia DuHart
AARP volunteer
Monroe Township