COPD Readmissions and Hospital Primary Care Physicians

Abstract

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) collects data on hospital 30-day Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) readmission rates to reduce preventable readmissions and prevent wasteful use of Medicare dollars. Hospitals have begun exploring different strategies to reduce their COPD-related 30-day readmissions. One key strategy has been the use of primary care providers (PCPs). This study examined the association between the percentage of PCPs at the hospital and Medicare COPD 30-day readmissions from 2014 to 2019. Results demonstrate a slight positive association between PCP percentage and COPD 30-day readmission. Further, hospitals in rural areas and those in less competitive environments are also associated with increased COPD readmission rates; yet, hospitals that are part of a system, provide medical education, or are larger, tend to have lower readmission rates.