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SALT LAKE CITY -- People don't expect to go back to the hospital after a stay, but it happens more often than you might think.
The Utah Department of Health released information Thursday showing an average of 21 people per day are readmitted to the hospital within a month of leaving.
Epidemiologist Carol Masheter says doctors could communicate better, but patients should find out what they can do to avoid coming back.
"Be sure you understand how to care for yourself before you leave the hospital," Masheter says. "Ask lots of questions. Don't be shy about that."
She also suggests patients set up a follow-up appointment with the doctor preferably while they are still in the hospital or soon after. Patients should also follow instructions very carefully about care and medicine.
Overall, Masheter says this new information should help all involved talk about preventable readmissions more often.
"The good news is we are doing it about as well as can be expected. Some hospitals had a lower rate, which is good," Masheter says.
The health department says low readmission rates mean lower health care costs and higher quality of care.
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
