The study authors examined 2,761 patients who underwent spine surgery and completed the three-month follow-up. During that time, study authors found:
1. There was a 5.6 percent unplanned readmission rate during the 90-day episode; 156 patients returned and were admitted to the hospital.
2. The most common reasons for readmission include:
• Surgery related: 52 percent
• Medical complications: 38 percent
• Pain: 10 percent
3. The pain and wound complication readmissions typically were admitted within the first six days after surgery, while the medical readmissions presented within the first 12 days. Patients who had surgery-related complications were readmitted at various times, according to the report.
4. To further break down the reasons for readmission, the study authors found patients with the following complications were typically readmitted in 12 to 38 days:
• Cerebral fluid leaks: 12 days
• Surgical site infection: 23 days
• Surgical failure: 38 days
5. The factors associated with readmission include myocardial infarction history, osteoporosis, higher baseline leg and arm pain scores as well as longer surgeries. Undergoing lumbar spine surgery was also associated with readmissions.
“This timeline for pain and medical readmissions represents an opportunity for targeted postdischarge interventions to prevent unplanned readmissions following spine surgery,” concluded the study authors.
More articles on spine surgery:
Jury awards patient $135M after botched spine surgery at Michigan hospital: 5 insights
4 key trends in payer reform for spine surgery
CPT corrects guidance on combining 2 spine codes
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.