Dermatology-Specific and All-Cause 30-Day and Calendar-Year Readmissions and Costs for Dermatologic Diseases from 2010-2014.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nReadmissions for skin disease, particularly for the same diagnosis and over time, have not been well studied.\n\n\nOBJECTIVE\nTo characterize hospital readmissions for skin disease.\n\n\nMETHODS\nA cross-sectional observational study was performed of the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010-2014, a national sample of hospital discharges in the United States.\n\n\nRESULTS\nOf 3,602,599 dermatologic hospitalizations from 2010-2014, 9.8% were readmitted for any cause and 3.3% for the same diagnosis within 30 days, and 7.8% for the same diagnosis within the calendar year (CY). The cost of all CY same-cause readmissions was $508 million per year. Mycosis fungoides had the highest 30 day all-cause readmission rate (32%), vascular hamartomas and dermatomyositis had the highest 30 day same-cause readmission rates (21%, 18%), and dermatomyositis and systemic lupus erythematosus had the highest CY same-cause readmission rates (31%, 24%). Readmission rates stayed stable from 2010-2014. Readmission for the same diagnosis was strongly associated with Medicaid and morbid obesity.\n\n\nLIMITATIONS\nThis study is a broad description of hospitalizations for skin disease. Conclusions for individual diseases are not intended.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nThe rates and costs of readmissions for skin diseases have remained high from 2010-2014. This study identifies diseases that are high-risk for hospital readmissions, but disease-specific studies are needed. The diseases and risk factors presented should guide more focused studies on strategies to reduce readmissions in specific skin diseases.