Discharge Outcomes

J.L. Morgan Post-Utilization Nursing Assessment Follow-Up Program

Also known as Discharge Outcomes (DO), our program offers four specialized surveys designed to improve patient outcomes and reduce unplanned readmissions:

In-Patient Discharge Outcomes (DO)
Behavioral Health Discharge Outcomes (BHDO)
Emergency Department Discharge Outcomes (EDDO)
Outpatient Ambulatory Surgery Discharge Outcomes (OASDO)

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a ruling requiring hospitals to implement a post-discharge follow-up program. This decision is rooted in research from CMS and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), highlighting the importance of seamless care transitions from hospitals to homes or home health agencies.

Studies have demonstrated that post-discharge follow-up programs improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and lower the likelihood of unplanned readmissions. These programs also enhance patient compliance with discharge instructions and medication regimens, creating a smoother transition to recovery.

Benefits of the Discharge Outcomes Program

Our program offers numerous advantages, including:

Providing real-time alerts and notifications your facility and team specific to:
- Patients whose condition has worsened since discharge.
- Patients who formally request a return call from the hospital.
- Patients expressing dissatisfaction with their healthcare experience.
- Patients expressing confusion with prescribed medications.
- Determines patient’s compliance in taking prescribed medications and following discharge instructions
- Includes pertinent patient comments about their stay.

Impact on Readmission and Patient Satisfaction:

The program has proven to have a tremendous impact on preventing unplanned 30-day readmissions by up to 2.9%.

Along with impacting readmissions, because hospitals are able to provide service recovery in a more timely manner, HCAHPS scores typically are impacted by improved scores from 5-8%.

Program Highlights

The Preventative Care Program is designed to enhance patient follow-up and improve care outcomes through these key features:

Patients are contacted within 24–48 hours post-discharge to address their care needs and answer any questions about their discharge.
Surveys are conducted by medically trained and licensed Interviewers ensuring accurate and empathetic communication.
The program connects with 60–70% of discharged patients, giving hospitals a jump-start on addressing immediate concerns and initiating service recovery.
Patient Comments:
- Collects open-ended feedback directly from patients, going beyond standard "yes" or "no" responses.
- Provides real-time alerts for negative feedback, allowing hospitals to resolve issues promptly.
- Offers valuable insights across hospital departments, including nursing, physicians, environmental services, and administration.
- By combining efficient follow-up with actionable feedback, empowers facilities to improve patient satisfaction, reduce readmissions, and deliver higher-quality care.

In-Patient Discharge Outcomes

(DO)

J.L. Morgan & Associates, Inc. Discharge Outcome Program will attempt survey contact of 100% of the hospital’s “Inpatient” discharged patients within 24 – 48 hours post discharge. Our medically trained staff, mostly comprised of RN’s and LPN’s will assess the patient’s compliance with discharge orders, medication regimen, physician office follow up, along with accessing the patient’s satisfaction with the quality of care provided while under inpatient care. Should a patient be deemed “non-compliant” in any Discharge Outcomes Nursing Assessment Program, the hospital will be immediately contacted via an “alert email”.

Behavioral Health Discharge Outcomes

(BHDO)

J.L. Morgan will attempt to contact 100% of Behavioral Health patients within 24 – 48 hours once data is received. A team member will assess the patient’s compliance with discharge orders, treatment plan, medication regimen, physician office follow-up, along with the patient’s satisfaction of the hospital inpatient stay experience. Should a patient be deemed“ non-compliant” in any area, the hospital will be immediately contacted via a “patient alert email”.

Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Discharge Outcomes

(OAS DO)

J.L. Morgan will attempt to contact 100% of Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery patients 24 – 48 hours once data is received. Team members will assess the patient’s compliance with discharge orders, medication regimen, physician office follow-up, along with the patient’s satisfaction of the quality of care provided while under inpatient emergency department care. Should a patient be deemed“ non-compliant” in any area, the hospital will be immediately contacted via a “patient alert email”.

Emergency Department Discharge Outcomes

In our Emergency Department Discharge Outcome (EDDO) program at J.L. Morgan, our approach is to reach out to a predetermined number of patients who have been discharged from the hospital's Emergency Department within 24 to 72 hours of receiving their data. JL Morgan will ensure the volume of completed ED assessments will capture statistically sound information across 100% of patient utilization.