(Undated) — A study by the non-profit Commonwealth Fund ranks Missouri 34th among states when it comes to Medicare patient outcomes. Commmonwealth Fund President, Dr. Joseph Betancourt says according to most metrics Missouri is doing an average job, but could do better. He says Missouri, like many other states, needs to work on patient care which could prevent hospitalizations. He says financial penalties for hospital re-admissions have incentivized health systems to stress post-hospital care, but notes more could be done. He says there’s growing evidence that patient loneliness is emerging as a key factor leading to discharged patients being re-admitted to the hospital.
“Lack of social connection and particularly for older Americans where both connection related to the importance of continued and strong cognitive function, as well as assistance of activities of daily living are all critical,” said Dr. Betancourt. He says patient loneliness is an evolving area but one that has significant clinical implications.
The report listed Vermont, Minnesota, and Utah as having the best health outcomes for Medicare patients. Researchers say states with the best outcomes, generally have better health care outcomes for all ages compared to other states.