Safety-Net Hospitals At Higher Risk For Readmissions; Socioeconomic Factors Only Part of Risk

Safety net hospitals have higher Medicare readmission rates compared to other hospitals, but only part of the higher readmission rate is linked to patient socioeconomic factors. The odds of readmission in a safety-net hospital were 16% higher in 2009 to 17% higher in 2012 than the odds in non-safety-net hospitals. About 25% of the higher risk of readmissions was linked to patient characteristics, such as socioeconomic status, race, and dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid. About 40% of the overall difference in readmission rates for safety-net hospitals could not be explained by clinical or patient characteristics . . .