Unexpected readmissions after major cancer surgery: an evaluation of readmissions as a quality-of-care indicator.

Readmissions following major oncologic operation are common-affecting patient treatment, outcome, and hospital resources. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services mandates reporting of certain disease-specific readmissions and Congress is considering using individual hospital readmission rates as a performance measure. Studies using administrative data demonstrate that readmission rates following major cancer surgery are high. Administrative data cannot determine causes. Single-institution studies demonstrate length of hospital stay and comorbidities as risk factors. Discharge processes and outpatient healthcare utilization can be improved. Until studies on readmission rate are conducted, using readmission rates as a measure of quality should be pursued cautiously. Published by Elsevier Inc.