By helping to reduce readmissions, these mobile apps could keep money in providers' pockets.
Sherree Geyer
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Medicare spends about $17 billion annually on avoidable hospital readmissions, but with CMS imposing penalties of up to 3% of inpatient claims for 30-day readmissions, hospitals now have an incentive to keep patients from coming back. The good news is, there’s an app for that. Mobile apps—accessible via smartphone, tablet, or computer—can help hospitals reduce costly readmissions by engaging patients in their own care. Engaged patients lead to better outcomes and reduced readmissions, which maximize reimbursements and lowers penalties. A recent study from the Mayo Clinic found that patients who used apps to record weight and blood pressure in combination with cardiac rehab improved outcomes and reduced readmission within 90 days of hospital discharge. Here are seven mobile apps that can reduce hospital readmissions and keep money in providers’ pockets. |
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Sherree Geyer is a freelance contributor to MD+DI. Reach her at [email protected].
[image courtesy of CARE AT HAND]
