Connecting cost and quality through automated discharge instructions.

By using 140 sets of automated discharge instructions, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Portland, Ore., cut its 14-day readmission rate to 1.5 for every 1,000 outpatient procedures. Providers are prompted to document: Dosage directions for any medications to be taken upon discharge The date when it is safe to resume any medications taken routinely Pain medications received during the procedure Dates of follow-up appointments