Researchers from Boston-based Northeastern University conducted the retrospective study of 28,596 Medicare claims from 2016 to 2019.
Cardiac rehabilitation is considered “critical” for preventing secondary cardiovascular disease, though referral rates remain low.
The study found that participation in cardiac rehabilitation was associated with a 14% lower likelihood of recurrent cardiovascular-related hospitalizations.
“Hospital integration has the potential to facilitate greater cardiac rehab participation and improve heart care,” the study authors wrote. “Several factors may help explain this positive association, including enhanced care coordination and value-based payment policies.”
Read the full study here.