Learn the Basics of Discharge Planning

January 10, 2014

Discharge planning will be more important than ever as COPD readmissions penalties kick in on Oct. 1, 2014. Now a new resource from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services can help you understand the process a little bit better.

The CMS Learning Network has created an informational guide on discharge planning for acute care, rehab facilities, long term care, hospice and home care. This document not only describes the process in each health care setting, it gives guidance on performing and evaluating the discharge planning process.

“This is a useful tool for all of our members who work with patients in planning their next steps,” said Tom Kallstrom, MBA, RRT, FAARC, AARC CEO. “But all respiratory therapists can learn some take-home points by reviewing this document.” He underscored the importance of learning about and managing discharge services, especially as we look to the deadline of Oct. 1 of this year when penalties will be incurred for readmissions of COPD patients within 30 days of their original discharge.