Report: hospitals still struggling to discharge patients

What they found: Patients are showing up sicker and in need of more post-acute care. In January, referral volume to nursing homes or home health care was at 118% of the average monthly volumes in 2019.

• But home health agencies hit a record 76% average rejection rate in January and February, and about 61% of nursing homes are limiting new admissions.
• The report covered more than 2,000 hospitals and 130,000 post-acute care providers who serve more than 13 million patients.

What they're saying: "Providers need to arrange more services post-discharge, such as physical therapy, behavioral health, and medication management. These factors can make it more challenging to manage care and ensure a safe and successful transition," the report said.

The intrigue: Some pandemic-era solutions could help alleviate the discharge crunch.

• Hospital-at-home programs that deliver hospital-level care in patients' homes received an extension from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through 2024.