Authors

  1. Oliver-McNeil, Sandra DNP, ACNP-BC, AACC
  2. Hickman, Leaden PhD, MSc
  3. McCoy, Mary Anne PhD, ACNP-BC
  4. George, Nancy PhD, FNP-BC

Abstract

Under newly restructured Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidelines, hospitals are at risk for reduction in reimbursement for patients with heart failure (HF) who are readmitted within 30 days after discharge. Patients with HF who are admitted for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) are routinely admitted with a primary diagnosis of HF. To reduce the occurrence of readmission, this article identifies the causes of 30-day readmission and recommends that patient follow-up after ICD placement should include assessment and management of HF symptoms.