Malnutrition among patients also has consequences for the medical facilities that treat them, as well as managed care organizations, health plans, and other stakeholders in the medical system. The effects of malnutrition can significantly increase the overall length and complexity of care in these patients, which substantially increases the costs associated with treatment. Additionally, poor nutrition and the poorer outcomes that come with it often mean more frequent hospitalizations – and in many cases, readmissions within 30 days of discharge. Newer reimbursement rules, implemented under the Affordable Care Act, impose financial penalties for readmissions. Per Kaiser Health News, beginning in October, nearly 2,600 hospitals will receive lower payments for every Medicare patient. These hospitals lost a combined total of $420 million due to the readmission penalty.
Providing home delivered meals after a hospitalization or as part of the treatment plan for chronic disease management can reduce complications and readmissions. For more information, read this article about MANNA in Philadelphia and how they reduced healthcare costs with home delivered meals.
Our white paper, Reduce Healthcare Costs and Improve Patient Outcomes with Post-Discharge Meals, reviews the body of evidence that shows how post-discharge meals can maximize patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs. Download our white paper now to learn more about nutrition care during the post-discharge period and how nutrition care will improve your outcomes as a hospital, managed care organization or health insurer.