Discharge planning is not only important to ensure compliance with the CMS standards but also for reimbursement. Optimal discharge planning can help prevent unnecessary readmissions. Hospitals that have a higher readmission rate can be financially penalized. In fact, 2610 hospitals will forfeit $428 million in 2015 and 2016. Every hospital that accepts Medicare and Medicaid must be in compliance with the CMS discharge planning guidelines. These standards must be followed for all patients and not just Medicare or Medicaid. CMS requires a number of discharge planning policies and procedures so come learn which ones are required and why.
• Discuss that CMS has published a final worksheet on discharge planning;
• Recall that CMS has revised discharge planning standards that every hospital must follow; and
• Discuss that one in every five Medicare patients is readmitted within 30 days of discharge and many suffer adverse events