Cost Analysis of an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Transitional Care Model for Cardiac Patients

Interest in care transitions has intensified in light of emphasis placed on hospital readmissions. This study provides a comparative analysis of the costs of providing transitional care through a program for cardiac patients against hospital readmission costs. The advanced practice registered nurse-managed BRIDGE model reduced health care costs associated with readmissions that were in excess of program costs. On average, there was a per-patient savings of $4,944 in avoided readmissions within 30 days of hospital discharge. Over the duration of the program, this equates to a $306,537 savings in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Nurse practitioners have a unique, holistic, and supportive approach to providing care that may make them ideal for the transitional care setting.