Gatekeeping Readmissions: Achieving a Top Quartile Turnaround

What if reducing emergency department readmissions wasn’t about working harder, but about leading smarter through data, teamwork, and innovation?

In this episode of PEMBA On Demand, host Dr. Norman A. Chapin speaks with Dr. Max Baumgardner DO, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer at AdventHealth Apopka and current student in the University of Tennessee Physician Executive MBA program. Dr. Baumgardner shares the transformational journey of leading a multidisciplinary initiative aimed at reducing emergency department readmissions. He explains how his team leveraged data, care coordination, centralized case management, Epic integration, and innovative emergency department interventions to improve patient outcomes and move system performance from bottom quartile to top quartile. Dr. Baumgardner discusses the leadership lessons gained through PEMBA, the power of frontline engagement, and strategies for balancing administrative and clinical responsibilities while creating sustainable, scalable improvement.

Key Topics Covered

Reducing emergency department readmissions through multidisciplinary collaboration

Identifying high risk patients using real world data insights

Leveraging Epic tools and alerts to improve care coordination

The value of centralized case management and live Epic chat support

Innovative emergency department solutions including infusions, dialysis, and direct facility placement

Strengthening transitions of care using care plans and team based communication

Maintaining quality and performance metrics while implementing major change

Leadership strategies for empowering teams and sustaining improvement

Balancing clinical work and the Chief Medical Officer role