What does the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) aim to address?

The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) primarily aims to reduce patient readmission rates. This program was implemented as part of the Affordable Care Act and targets hospitals with high rates of avoidable readmissions, particularly for specific conditions such as heart failure, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By financially penalizing hospitals that have elevated readmission rates, the program incentivizes healthcare providers to improve the quality of care they deliver, ensuring that patients receive adequate treatment during their initial hospital stay and appropriate follow-up care afterward. The goal is to enhance patient outcomes and promote more efficient use of healthcare resources.