Minnesota hospitals have largely sidestepped federal readmission penalties, thanks to strategic investment in community paramedics and post-discharge monitoring. By intervening early and focusing on preventive care, they have helped many patients avoid unnecessary complications.

A new analysis reveals that brief follow-up calls after hospital discharge aren’t reducing patient readmissions or emergency visits, suggesting a need to rethink postdischarge strategies. Researchers found no significant impact from these contacts within seven days of discharge.