Length of stay and hospital readmission for persons with disabilities

Objectives. Length of stay (LOS) and hospital readmission for persons receiving medical rehabilitation were examined. Methods. A total of 96473 patient records (1994-1998) were analyzed. Mean age of patients was 68.97 years; 61% were female and 83% were non-Hispanic White. Results. A decrease in LOS of 6.07 days (SD=3.23) and increase in hospital readmission were found across all impairment groups (P<.001). Readmission increases tanged from 6.7% for amputations to 1.4% for orthopedic conditions. LOS was longer (2.1 days) for readmitted patients (P<.01). Age was not a significant predictor of rehospitalization. Conclusions. Understanding variables associated with rehospitalization is important as prospective payment systems are introduced for postacute care.