Advocate Health Care says it was able to save more than $4.8 million costs through two nutrition models launched at four of its Chicago hospitals in 2014, having since enrolled more than 1,200 patients in the programs. Most of the savings stem from reduced readmissions and shorter patient stays, averaging about $3,800 per patient. In studying the impacts of its nutrition programs on its readmission rates, Advocate found readmissions fell by 27% and hospital stays were reduced by two days. Interventions included:
- Screening patients for malnutrition using a four-question test;
- Providing patients flagged as malnourished with additional nutrition supplements alongside regular hospital meals; and
- Offering outpatient nutrition services through coupons and phone calls with patients following discharge.
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