David May, MD, PhD, FACC, and Arthur Garson, Jr, MD, MPH, explore the most common cardiovascular conditions linked to hospital readmissions during transitions of care scenarios.

Dr Garson, Jr, says that congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction result in unnecessary hospital readmissions. He discusses how, in an effort to reduce readmission rates, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has instituted penalties for readmissions linked to both conditions.

In addition to heart failure and myocardial infarction, Dr May adds that atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, and pulmonary embolism also have high readmission rates.

Dr May suggests that complex medication regimens and increased anxiety lead patients and their family members to seek hospital care in situations where it may not be necessary. He explains that it is the responsibility of the healthcare professional to provide medical education and facilitate proper transitions of care, especially when caring for patients who are treated with complex medication regimens because they have chronic, ongoing medical complications.