AHRQ Releases Medicaid Readmission Reduction Guide, Toolbox

Thanks to the National Association of EMTs for sharing this information.

AHRQ has released a new guide and toolbox containing best practices to help hospitals reduce readmissions among their Medicaid patients. (See attached)

The guide advises hospitals to establish "cross-setting partnerships" with other healthcare and community resources interested in pursuing team-based strategies to address Medicaid patients' clinical, behavioral health and social services needs. [See Section 5, Collaborate with Cross-Setting Partners]. This "cross-continuum team" should be formed with a "coalition of the willing" and should involve "providers … who serve a high volume of Medicaid patients." The guide also includes a sample invitation hospitals can use to request participation on this team.

How can EMS agencies make sure they're included on the invite list? Perhaps by using the publication of the AHRQ guide as an opportunity to reach out to your contacts at local hospitals.

• Remind them of the important role of EMS in responding to and treating Medicaid patients in your community.
• Explain why EMS would be a valuable member of a "cross-continuum team," even though EMS was not called out specifically in the AHRQ resources.
•  If you're already doing an MIH or CP program, describe the work you're doing and how it addresses the needs of Medicaid patients. If you're developing an MIH or CP program, explain what you're interested in doing.
• Provide more information about Mobile Integrated Healthcare and Community Paramedicine. Refer them to NAEMT's MIH-CP video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCTZI47aRss and the MIH-CP section of the NAEMT website https://www.naemt.org/MIH-CP/MIH-CP.aspx