Re-Hospitalization Rates Linked to Income Gaps

People in states with the widest income gaps between rich and poor are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge, according to a report published by the British Medical Journal.

The researchers examined data involving Medicare patients who had been hospitalized in 2006-2008 for conditions including heart failure, pneumonia and heart attack. Overall, they analyzed 2.7 million admissions at 4,500 hospitals across the United States.

The data on income inequalities came from the U.S. Census Bureau.

They found higher rates of readmission in states with the largest income inequality levels. However, income inequality was not linked to a higher risk of fatality within 30 days among the patients involved.

The results of the study are not conclusive, and the researchers admit that more work needs to be done.

Our Seattle medical malpractice attorneys believe that a number of important factors affect readmission rates among hospital patients. These include the quality of patient care and the kind of strategies used to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections.

The Seattle medical malpractice lawyers at Morrow Kidman Tinker Macey-Cushman, PLLC represent victims of medical negligence by doctors, nurses, technicians and other medical personnel across Seattle.