Disease-dependent variations in the timing and causes of readmissions in Germany: A claims data analysis for six different conditions

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250298
• Publication Date: 2021-04-26T17:34:24Z
• Authors: Carmen Ruff; Alexander Gerharz; Andreas Groll; Felicitas Stoll; Lucas Wirbka; Walter E. Haefeli; Andreas D. Meid
• Keywords: Stroke; Multimorbidity

Background Hospital readmissions place a major burden on patients and health care systems worldwide, but little is known about patterns timing of in Germany. Methods We used German insurance claims (AOK, 2011–2016) ≥ 65 years hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure (HF), composite stroke, transient ischemic attack, or atrial fibrillation (S/AF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis to identify hospital within 30 90 days. Readmissions were classified into all-cause, specific, non-specific their characteristics analyzed. Results Within days, 14–22% 27–41% index admissions readmitted any reason, respectively. HF S/AF contributed most cases, COPD accounted all-cause readmissions. Distributions ratios specific disease-specific with highest rates among AMI. Conclusion are well-suited investigate readmission causes if longer periods than days evaluated. Conditions closely related the primary frequent causes, multiple comorbidities cases suggest that multidisciplinary approach should be implemented vigorously addressing already during hospitalization.