Predictors and outcomes of unplanned readmission to a different hospital.

objectivesTo examine patient, hospital and market factors and outcomes associated with readmission to a different hospital compared with the same hospital.

designA population-based, secondary analysis using multilevel causal modeling.

settingAcute care hospitals in California in the USA.

participantsIn total, 509 775 patients aged 50 or older who were discharged alive from acute care hospitals (index hospitalizations), and 59 566 who had a rehospitalization within 30 days following their index discharge.

interventionNo intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Thirty-day unplanned readmissions to a different hospital compared with the same hospital and also the costs and health outcomes of the readmissions.

resultsTwenty-one percent of patients with a rehospitalization had a different-hospital readmission. Compared with the same-hospital readmission group, the different-hospital readmission group was more likely to be younger, male and have a lower income. The index hospitals of the different-hospital readmission group were more likely to be smaller, for-profit hospitals, which were also more likely to be located in counties with higher competition. The different-hospital readmission group had higher odds for in-hospital death (8.1 vs. 6.7%; P < 0.0001) and greater readmission hospital costs ($15 671.8 vs. $14 286.4; P < 0.001) than the same-hospital readmission group.

conclusionsPatient, hospital and market characteristics predicted different-hospital readmissions compared with same-hospital readmissions. Mortality and cost outcomes were worse among patients with different-hospital readmissions. Strategies for better care coordination targeting people at risk for different-hospital readmissions are necessary.