Virtual PCP Visit Timing

Evidence-based recommendations for scheduling virtual follow-up visits by patient risk profile

47%

Reduction in 7-day readmissions with scheduled follow-up

8 days

Median days to return without PCP visit

13%

Current follow-up appointment scheduling rate

Highest Priority - Within 7 Days

These patients showed the highest early return rates and would benefit most from rapid virtual follow-up

Patients with tubes/drains

67% early return

Nephrostomy, PEG, surgical drains - need rapid assessment for infection, malposition, leakage

Urinary catheter/SPT patients

50% early return

CAUTI is #1 readmission theme (27 cases); 50% early return rate

Home discharge without HHC

Highest 7-day readmission risk; no structured monitoring; only 24.5% PCP visit rate

Patients on opiates

29.4% preventable

29.4% preventable rate (highest); need early pain reassessment and medication reconciliation

Electrolyte/AKI cluster

42% preventable

42% preventable; need early labs and medication adjustment (diuretics, ACE-I, etc.)

Mon-Wed afternoon/evening discharges

35-38% early return

Data shows 35-38% early return rates; less time for education at discharge

Implementation Notes

Why Virtual Visits Work

• Device/wound checks (patient can show the site)
• Medication reconciliation and symptom review
• Early triage to determine if in-person visit or ED is needed
• Overcomes transportation barriers (common SDOH issue)

Recommended Tiered Approach

• 48-72 hours: Phone call for all patients
• Day 5-7: Virtual visit for high-risk groups
• Day 10-14: Virtual visit for moderate-risk groups
• In-person: Reserve for those needing physical exam

Key Finding: Your data shows scheduling a follow-up appointment nearly halves the 7-day readmission rate (16.7% vs 31.7%), so the act of scheduling itself is protective regardless of timing. The median days to return without PCP visit is 8 days — meaning the 7-day virtual visit window would intercept the majority of preventable readmissions.