Nineteen hospitals in Ohio have launched a pilot program to reduce readmissions, focusing specifically on how the patient is discharged from inpatient care. The pilot is operated in conjunction with the Ohio Hospital Association, the Ohio Health Quality and Coverage Council and the State Action on Avoidable Rehospitalizations. The project will ensure that patients who are discharged from participating hospitals receive swift followup care and better coordination of communication among their providers. Rehospitalizations account for 18 percent of all inpatient care among Medicare patients and about $15 billion a year in payments. Three hospitals in Columbus--Riverside Methodist, Ohio State University Medical Center and Mount Carmel St. Ann's--are among the participants. After the pilot ends in June 2011, it will be expanded statewide. Press Release