The #1 Way to Prevent Hospital Readmissions Isn’t Medical with Dr. Punatar and Dr. Goodwin

What if the biggest opportunity to prevent hospital readmissions has less to do with medicine—and more to do with people?On this episode of Our Purpose – The LTC Podcast, Dr. Punatar and Dr. Goodwin of Meridian Health Partners join Kip Kruger, James Dieter, and Chris Light for a powerful conversation about what’s really happening inside skilled nursing and post-acute care.After years of working as hospitalists, Dr. Punatar and Dr. Goodwin began following patients beyond the hospital walls and into skilled nursing facilities. What they discovered changed the way they thought about patient care.Their biggest takeaway?“The number one way to prevent avoidable RTAs isn’t medical. It’s social.”A worried daughter who doesn't understand why Mom is coughing can quickly become a 911 call. A family that doesn't know what to expect from skilled nursing may assume something is wrong. And when physicians, nurses, facilities, hospitals, patients, and families aren't communicating, preventable hospital readmissions can follow.In this episode, we dive into:Why the first 24–72 hours in skilled nursing are so criticalHow setting expectations can help prevent avoidable hospital readmissionsWhy communication with families is a clinical strategy—not just customer serviceThe growing acuity of patients entering skilled nursing facilitiesWhy Friday admissions create unique challenges for SNFsHow weekend rounding and 24/7 provider access can change outcomesThe importance of continuity of care between hospitals and skilled nursingWhy physicians need to become part of the facility teamThe challenges of measuring RTAs and outcomes across post-acute careHow value-based care could reshape skilled nursing and physician servicesWhy better outcomes may require a return to something surprisingly simple: relationshipsDr. Punatar and Dr. Goodwin also explain why they view senior care as a hospitality business, how Meridian Health Partners approaches the physician-facility relationship differently, and why treating the patient is only part of the job.For administrators, DONs, physicians, operators, nurses, and anyone working in long-term care, this conversation challenges us to think differently about what actually drives great outcomes.Because sometimes preventing the next hospital readmission doesn't start with another test, medication, or order.It starts with trust.Subscribe to Our Purpose – The LTC Podcast for more conversations with the people shaping the future of skilled nursing, senior care, and long-term care.