RUSH Stroke Program Reduced Patient Readmissions
A new collaborative effort in Chicago has successfully lowered repeat hospital visits for stroke patients.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Stroke
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RUSH has implemented a targeted three-pronged strategy that resulted in 27 fewer stroke patient readmissions over a 12-month period. This initiative, part of a broader health system collaborative, helps address the high rates of Medicare patients returning to the hospital shortly after discharge.
Why it matters
Reducing hospital readmissions is a priority because the federal Hospital Readmission Reduction Program imposes financial penalties on facilities that exceed expected return rates. This initiative helps improve patient care continuity while mitigating the significant economic burden of unplanned hospitalizations.
During a 12-month performance improvement collaborative, RUSH avoided 27 stroke-related readmissions and an estimated $694,000 in costs. This data highlights the efficacy of the program compared to baseline readmission rates, though further long-term results are still being gathered.
The players
RUSH
A Chicago-based academic health system focused on clinical excellence and patient outcomes.
Vizient
A health care performance improvement company that provides data tools and collaborative research to member hospitals.
The details
The program utilizes structured follow-up, where stroke outpatient nurses conduct phone calls within 48 hours of discharge to ensure patients are transitioning home successfully. Additionally, case managers perform bedside motivational interviewing to identify and address individual social or behavioral barriers that lead to frequent acute care use. By focusing on these specific post-discharge gaps, the system reduces the likelihood of patients needing to return to the hospital.
Timeline
2012: The Hospital Readmission Reduction Program was established.
48 hours: The window within which nurses conduct follow-up calls after discharge.
12-month period: The duration of the stroke collaborative program.
Health Landscape
This program aligns with the goals of the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program, which since 2012 has sought to curb the $17 billion annual Medicare expenditure on repeat admissions. It marks a shift from reactive care toward proactive management of the transition from hospital to home.
If you or a loved one are preparing for discharge following a stroke, ask your care team about scheduled follow-up appointments and nurse-led communication. Identifying specific barriers to your recovery, such as medication access or transportation, is worth discussing with your doctor.
The takeaway
Proactive follow-up care is essential to preventing complications that lead to unnecessary hospital returns. After a discharge, ensure you have a clear plan for your first post-hospital physician visit and maintain an updated list of all medications to review with your clinical team.
Further reading
For more on managing long-term recovery and reducing risks after a health event, visit our Stroke resources.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Becker's Hospital Review | Healthcare News & Analysis.
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