Invited Commentary

Commentary on "Predictor of 90-Day Readmission Rate for Hepatic Encephalopathy"

Authors: Charles Broy, MD

Abstract

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with serious mortality and morbidity, including recurrent hospitalization. Readmission rates have always been a serious topic because they have a direct impact on patients’ well-being and the quality of medical management. They are assuming increasing importance in today’s healthcare environment, where statistical tools (eg, Crimson, Truven) are being used to evaluate physicians on their readmission rates. Furthermore, section 3025 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148) requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to reduce payments to hospitals with excess readmissions within 30 days of discharge. Comorbid conditions that increase risk for rehospitalization in HE are not well studied.

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