Preventing Hospital Re-Admission

Hospital discharge is often seen as the finish line — but for patients with complex surgical wounds, it’s just the beginning.

At United Wound Care Centers, we frequently see patients who are discharged with significant wounds, limited support, and a high risk of complications. One recent case highlights how specialized outpatient wound care can make the difference between a smooth recovery and a costly readmission.

The Challenge

The patient, a woman in her 70s, was discharged following abdominal surgery with an open wound requiring negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). She had no home health coverage, placing her at elevated risk for infection, emergency department visits, and hospital readmission.

Without a clear post-discharge wound care plan, patients like this often fall through the cracks — not due to lack of effort, but due to access and coverage barriers.

The Solution

United Wound Care Centers partnered with the discharge team to provide rapid outpatient follow-up. The patient was seen within 48 hours of discharge and enrolled in structured outpatient wound care with close NPWT oversight.

Care was coordinated across settings, ensuring accountability and continuity during a vulnerable transition period.

The Outcome

• Zero emergency department visits

• Zero hospital readmissions

• Safe healing progression under expert supervision

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Most importantly, the patient recovered at home with confidence and clarity — not uncertainty.

Why This Matters

Discharge planning doesn’t end when a patient leaves the hospital. For high-risk surgical wounds, having a single, dedicated wound care provider improves outcomes while reducing unnecessary utilization.

At United Wound Care Centers, we specialize in bridging this gap — enabling safe discharges even when traditional home health services are unavailable.