Background: Although readmission rates have decreased since the implementation of higher-than-expected 30-day readmission penalties by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), rates remain above optimal. Hospital readmissions reflect two processes: discharge planning and access to care after discharge. To increase access to care, the US Congress passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care […]

Background: Although readmission rates have decreased since the implementation of higher-than-expected 30-day readmission penalties by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), rates remain above optimal. Hospital readmissions reflect two processes: discharge planning and access to care after discharge. To increase access to care, the US Congress passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care […]

Background: It is universal practice to restrain incarcerated patients – regardless of age, illness, mobility, or pretrial status – with metal shackles during hospital stays without consideration for less restrictive alternatives. Globally, human rights and legal groups have voiced opposition to this shackling, citing numerous justice, ethics, and medical concerns relating to the practice. Healthcare […]

Case Presentation: Our patient was a 29-year-old male with a past history of chronic marijuana use that presented to the hospital with an uncontrolled hemorrhage from his tooth. The patient tripped walking down the stairs and hit his face on a stair cracking his left upper second molar. He reported no other symptoms besides the […]