Automated Phone Assessments and Hospital Readmissions.

This analysis examined the efficacy of an automated postdischarge phone assessment for reducing hospital readmissions. All patients discharged between April 1, 2013, and January 31, 2014, from a single Level 1 trauma hospital of a large regional health system center utilizing an automated postdischarge phone assessment service were contacted via automated call between 24 and 72 hours post discharge. Patients answered 5 questions assessing perceived well-being, understanding of discharge instructions and medication regimen, satisfaction, and scheduled follow-up appointments.

Population health approach for diabetic patients with poor A1C control.

Background: Diabetes is frequently monitored as part of quality programs and initiatives. The glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test and corresponding values are often used as quality metrics, and patients with values of 9.0% or above (9+) tend to utilize intensive resources.

Using physician-led automated communications to improve patient health.

One common thread to health care reform in the United States is an emphasis on effectively managing the care of patients with chronic conditions. A landmark study by McGlynn et al demonstrated that patients receive about 55% of the treatment they need. While technological advances allow automated means for identifying and reaching out to patients in need of treatment, few studies have evaluated their impact.

Evaluating the impact of a disease management program for chronic complex conditions at two large northeast health plans using a control group methodology.

The objective of this study was to observe trends in payer expenditures for plan members with one of 14 chronic, complex conditions comparing one group with a disease management program specific to their condition (the intervention group) and the other with no specific disease management program (the control group) for these conditions. The authors used payer claims and membership data to identify members eligible for the program in a 12-month baseline year (October 2001 to September 2002) and a subsequent 12-month program year (October 2002 to September 2003). Two payers were analyzed: one health plan with members primarily in New Jersey (AmeriHealth New Jersey [AHNJ]), where the disease management program was offered, and one affiliated large plan with members primarily in the metro Philadelphia area, where the program was not offered.