Background: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and characteristics of unplanned 30-day readmissions after an index hospitalization for heart failure in elderly patients. We also sought to identify factors that predict readmission. Methods: We analyzed the 2020 NRD, and non-elective hospitalizations for heart failure among elderly patients aged > 65 years were identified using [...]

Background: In 2022, healthcare spending in the US accounted for 17.3% of its GDP(1), yet the US ranked near the bottom among high-income nations for key health outcomes. It is unclear if a similar relationship exists between spending and health outcomes across US Hospitals. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reports a standardized risk-adjusted [...]

Background: Multi-visit patients (MVP) tend to represent a small portion (< 5%) of all admitted patients, yet account for more than 40% of 30-day readmissions based on prior literature (1-2). Among our institution’s MVPs, Heart failure (HF) exacerbations are one of the top disease presentations accounting for 40% of 30-day readmissions in 2022. These patients [...]

Background: Acute heart failure exacerbations remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and are associated with high rates of hospital admissions and healthcare expenditure. As hospital medicine (HM) primary service footprint expands, further information regarding patient care provided by HM compared to cardiology (CV) is needed. As part of a broader effort to improve [...]

Background: Acute heart failure exacerbations are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and are associated with high rates of hospital admissions and healthcare expenditure. As part of a broader effort to improve heart failure care at our hospital, this project aims to characterize heart failure type prevalence, mortality, and readmission rates to benchmark against [...]

Background: Hospital-at-home programs deliver hospital-level care in the comfort of patients’ homes, offering an innovative alternative to traditional hospitalization. These programs have gained traction since the COVID-19 pandemic and Medicare’s expanded reimbursements for virtual visits. Studies have demonstrated that they effectively manage heart failure with outcomes comparable to traditional hospital care. In 2020, Kaiser Permanente [...]

Background: Acute decompensated heart failure exacerbations remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and are associated with high rates of admissions and healthcare cost. Both the initial dose of intravenous (IV) diuretic and time to administration affect inpatient outcomes. Adequate diuresis prior to discharge is associated with a reduced likelihood of readmission. As part [...]

Background: Acute heart failure exacerbations are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with high rates of hospitalization and healthcare expenditure. Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) has improved outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF), preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and moderately reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). Recent studies highlight the benefits [...]

Case Presentation: A 36-year-old male with a past medical history of chronic phase chronic myelogenous leukemia with multiple relapses, never achieving remission, and recently diagnosed with the T315I resistant mutation treated with single agent ponatinib presented to the ED with complaints of pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath. Exam was notable for mid neck [...]

Case Presentation: A 70-year-old male presented with generalized fatigue and worsening shortness of breath with exertion. A diagnosis of acute exacerbation of heart failure was made. Initial evaluation with echocardiogram and MRI raised suspicion for amyloidosis. A PYP scan was performed, which was not suggestive for transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). Serum free light chain (sFLC) testing [...]