August 24, 2011
An announcement was made today that United Health Care and the Colorado Hospital Association are partnering to spearhead a campaign aimed at reducing the number of hospital readmissions in the state. According to an interview conducted by Channel 9 News with Dr. Christopher Stanley, the Senior Medical Director for United Health Care’s Rocky Mountain region, the organization has given a $1.1 million grant to the Colorado Hospital Association in order to fund the initiative.
A study conducted by the Annals of Internal Medicine recently found that 20 percent of patients leaving the hospital would be readmitted within 30 days due to complications. Sixteen area hospitals will participate in the campaign over the next two years, focusing on giving patients a better transition back to home life.
The two most common reasons found for readmission were patients not fully understanding the medications they were given before leaving and not going to follow-up visits. The initiative is aimed at helping doctors, patients, and hospital staff have a better understanding of the medication given and communicating that information better to patients, as well as improving the process for follow-up visits.
The Colorado Personal Injury Lawyers with the McDivitt Law Firm recommend that you always ask your doctor questions regarding a medication you are taking. Side effects, allergic reactions, intended effect, and potential drug interactions are important details you need to know. Contact McDivitt Law Firm’s team of attorneys to receive a free consultation of your case.
