Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Doctor of Healthcare Administration, DHA

School

Health Services

Advisor

James Goes

Abstract

In 2011, Medicare patients represented the largest share of total readmissions and health costs when compared to all other patient categories. Because patient-centered care drives the use of health services, the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act outlined improving the patient experience to reduce readmission rates; however, the relationship between patient experience and readmissions is not well understood. Grounded in systems theory, the purpose of this correlational study was to determine if the relationship between patient experience and readmission rates in Medicare Shared Savings Program accountable care organizations. Data from the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey were gathered from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid datasets to analyze patient experience measurements and readmission rates, while accounting for variation among Medicare service regions, number of assigned beneficiaries, and performance year. Using multiple linear regression to analyze the data, the model was used to predict Medicare's all-condition readmission rate (per 1000), R-²= .242, F (13, 634) 15.59, p < .001. The research question was answered partially; variation in the patient experience domain did not support all hypotheses. Because the Medicare population represents the fastest growing patient population within the U.S. health care system, continuous evaluation of policy and performance provides an evidence-based analysis to health administrators and providers who have pivotal roles in the creation of positive social change. Findings may be used to improve quality and service while reducing costs, which contributes to the sustainability of the U.S. Medicare program and its beneficiary population.

Download

Share

 
COinS