Follow-up Soon After Discharge May Not Reduce COPD Readmissions

We evaluated whether visiting a primary care provider (PCP) or medical subspecialist within 10 days of discharge reduces 30-day readmissions following hospitalization for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Data were retrospectively collected from electronic health records for AECOPD-related hospitalizations at an urban, academic medical center for patients 40 years of age or older between June 2011 and June 2016. Primary outcome was probability of all-cause 30-day readmission. Follow-up was defined as visiting a PCP or any medical subspecialist within 10 days of discharge. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine the association between hospital readmissions and a visit to a PCP or medical subspecialist. Of the 2653 hospital discharges, 17.6% (n=468) had a 30-day readmission. Follow-up did not affect 30-day readmission risk (adjusted odds ratio 1.14; 95% confidence interval 0.89, 1.47). Prompt follow-up is not associated with a reduced risk of 30-day readmission following AECOPD, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).