Effects of care coordination on hospitalization, quality of care, and health care expenditures among Medicare beneficiaries: 15 randomized trials

The study investigates if care coordination programs reduce hospitalizations and Medicare expenditures and enhance quality of care for chronically ill Medicare beneficiaries. Findings suggest that practical care coordination programs without a strong element of transitional care may not offer net Medicare savings. However, programs with significant in-person contact with moderate to severe patients can be cost effective and partially improve care quality.