Less Post-Acute Care Worsens Outcomes, Medicare Advantage Patients Reveal in New Study

Less Post-Acute Care Worsens Outcomes, Medicare Advantage Patients Reveal in New Study

A recent study conducted by researchers at Vanderbilt University sheds light on the disparities in post-acute care service utilization and outcomes between Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees and traditional Medicare beneficiaries. The study encompassed nearly 2,400 Medicare beneficiaries who had undergone surgery or received hospital-related care, subsequently requiring skilled nursing, institutional rehab facility, or home care. The findings revealed that MA enrollees had shorter service durations compared to their traditional Medicare counterparts, and they reported less functional improvement during their care. Among respondents with specific health conditions and procedures, such as hospitalizations, falls, hip or knee surgeries, arthritis, or osteoporosis, MA enrollees consistently reported unfavorable outcomes, including reduced utilization of post-acute care and diminished functional improvement. The study also highlighted potential factors contributing to these disparities, including MA networks potentially offering lower-quality skilled nursing facilities. The researchers emphasized the need for policymakers to thoroughly assess the broader evidence before fully endorsing value-based care plans. 

Medigy Insights

A recent Vanderbilt University study examined post-acute care disparities between Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees and traditional Medicare beneficiaries, involving 2,400 individuals who underwent surgery or hospital-related care. MA enrollees experienced shorter service durations and poorer functional improvement compared to traditional Medicare beneficiaries. Among those with specific health conditions, MA enrollees consistently reported reduced post-acute care use and limited functional enhancement. The study highlighted potential contributors, including lower-quality skilled nursing facilities in MA networks. Policymakers were advised to scrutinize comprehensive evidence before endorsing value-based care plans.


Next Article

  • Less Post-Acute Care Worsens Outcomes, Medicare Advantage Patients Reveal in New Study

    Can Care Guidance Save Rural Hospitals?

    The persistent closure of rural hospitals across the United States poses a significant threat to the accessibility of essential healthcare services, encompassing both emergency and in-patient care. …

    Posted Aug 22, 2023

Did you find this useful?

Medigy Innovation Network

Connecting innovation decision makers to authoritative information, institutions, people and insights.

Medigy Logo

The latest News, Insights & Events

Medigy accurately delivers healthcare and technology information, news and insight from around the world.

The best products, services & solutions

Medigy surfaces the world's best crowdsourced health tech offerings with social interactions and peer reviews.


© 2024 Netspective Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Built on Nov 8, 2024 at 2:39pm